Last Monday, a plane en route to Medellin airport crashed in the mountainside, which claimed the lives of 71 people onboard. The charter plane was carrying Brazil football team, Chapecoense, and 21 journalists.
Chapecoense were going to face Atletico Nacional for the finals of the Copa Sudamericana.
Following the horrid incident, Atletico Nacional has made a request that Chapecoense be declared as the champions of the Copa Sudamericana. They made the request to CONMEBOL’s (South American Football Confederation) interim president, Ivan Tozzo. Tozzo obliged.
“CONMEBOL have testified that they will crown Chapecoense as champions of the Copa Sudamericana,” Ivan Tozzo told TV Globo.
“In addition, the club will receive the two-million-dollar prize.” he added. Everything is confirmed. I do not know if there will be a ceremony to receive the cup.”
“Right now we are beginning to rebuild the team. People want football; people love football in Chapeco. Therefore, we must continue this. Let’s talk and do well, let the dust settle and rebuild the team for next year.” Tozzo spoke at a a memorial event at Arena Conda, Chapecoense’s home stadium in southern Brazil.
It’s great to see Atletico Nacional giving up the title for their fellow comrades. After all, that’s what the spirit of football is all about.
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