Brazil play Colombia to raise funds for Chapecoense victims

In the aftermath of the air crash just outside Medellin, Colombia, in which most of the players, staff and directors of Brazilian league side Chapecoense were killed, Brazil have invited Colombia to play a charity friendly to raise funds for the victims of the crash.

According to the spokesperson of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), a tentative date of January 22 has been proposed for the friendly between the two national sides.

“The idea is that the game will be against Colombia, for all that represents,” the spokesman said, “but we don’t know if they will be able to come because of the dates.

“But a friendly will take place, against someone else if not Colombia, probably on either Jan. 22 or 25.

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“The proceeds from the match will be sent to the families of the players, the staff and those involved with Chapecoense who died in the crash,” he stated.

In addition to the proceeds from the charity match, the CBF has also said it will donate about $1.5million to the club.

The side were on their way to play the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana final against Colombian side Atletico Nacional when the crash happened. But the South America’s governing body CONMEBOL did announce days after that Chapecoense have been officially awarded the Copa Sudamericana title, after a request from Atletico Nacional.

The tragedy which occurred last week saw a total of 71 passengers killed, out of which are 19 players from the club. Brazilian clubs have however promised to come together and help Chapecoense rebuild by making them exempt from relegation for three seasons and offering to loan them players free of charge.

 

 

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