New Delhi: To become a global powerhouse in sports, the United States of America must possess much more than just world-class facilities. It must embrace the chaos, learn from the mistakes and admit that it is far from being ready to host a global sporting event, especially a non-American sporting event that attracts a massive live audience from different parts of the world.
America is leaving no stone unturned to beef up its sporting profile and make inroads in two of the biggest markets in sports. Co-hosting the T20 World Cup and hosting the Copa America is a big testament to their ambitions. While the Cricket World Cup turned out to be a moderate success, the Copa America turned out to be a disaster. The continental showpiece event, which concluded on Sunday with Argentina’s victory, was marred with glaring issues for both players and spectators.
Despite boasting world-class infrastructure, the tournament lacked basic facilities, adequate security and management. The matches were held in some of the biggest and best stadiums in world sport but were they fit to host football games?
The Copa America 2024 featured poor pitches, empty stadiums, and overpriced tickets. Unsurprisingly, the tournament ended on a chaotic note as crowd trouble marred the final between Argentina and Colombia on Sunday.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JULY 14: Fans of Colombia and Argentina try to pass the gate amid disturbances the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Final match between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium on July 14, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“This party almost became a tragedy’: said the headline in the Argentine newspaper Ole.
A nightmare for players, fans and families
The final was delayed by almost 90 minutes after ticketless fans forced their way into Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. Due to the unruly behaviour, the official had to set a perimeter, forcing several ticket-holders to wait outside in agony.
Police and security personnel made several arrests following clashes with the spectators, while several fans needed treatment from paramedics.
Coaches and players complained about the poor playing conditions throughout the campaign as the grounds used for the NFL staged the soccer matches. Uruguayan football authorities complained about the security measures after Uruguay players had to go into the stands to protect their families from a violent set of Colombia fans.
From conducive playing conditions to adequate security measures to logistical understanding of the magnitude of the event, America needs to up their game significantly to host a global sporting event.
The Copa America 2024 was supposed to be a dress rehearsal ahead of the much-awaited 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Instead, it ended with more questions than answers on the hosting capability of the USA.
The Copa America matches were held in some of the biggest and best stadiums in world sport but were they fit to host football games? Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
