Brazil’s soccer federation suspends matches for 3 southern clubs because of flooding
Beira Rio stadium is flooded after heavy rain in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Carlos Macedo)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Carlos Macedo]
PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil (AP) — Brazil’s soccer federation has suspended matches involving three top-tier clubs of the country’s flood-ridden southern region, but only for 20 days. Gremio, Internacional and Juventude, which are based in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, will only return to activities after the harms of major flooding are mitigated. Ten of their matches in the Brazilian league and the Brazilian Cup will be rescheduled. The decision also applies to away matches of the three clubs. Many fans and players had pushed for a complete halt to competitions in the South American nation. The soccer body said it will reassess its move after May 27.
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The Gremio Arena and surrounding area are flooded after heavy rain in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Andre Penner