Brazil’s president defends decision to host Copa America tournament

Brazil’s president has defended its hosting of the Copa America tournament despite the raging Covid pandemic.

There has been widespread criticism after the South American Football Association (Conmebol) announced on Monday that Brazil would be hosting the event, due to start next week.

A Supreme Court judge has ordered President Jair Bolsonaro to provide more information on the decision.

Brazil has been hit hard by the pandemic, with nearly 463,000 deaths.

Mr. Bolsonaro said the decision was not up for discussion and that the tournament, which involves players across South America, did not pose a health risk.

He said on Tuesday that he had spoken with the health minister and they had agreed to host the event.