On Saturday, São Paulo football teams Palmeiras and Santos will face off in the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro for the final of the Copa Libertadores, South America’s most prestigious continental club competition. While organizers banned the sale of tickets due to coronavirus concerns, approximately 5,000 spectators will be in attendance, including the technical staff of both clubs and invited dignitaries.
According to South American football confederation Conmebol, all those in the stands must present negative coronavirus tests before being allowed entry, and mask use and distancing measures will be enforced within the stadium.
Brazil’s far-right President Jair Bolsonaro — who supports Palmeiras — is among those who have been invited to attend the Libertadores final. Mr. Bolsonaro has long been critical of social distancing and has repeatedly appeared in public without a mask.
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