Copa America organisers to invite Spain, Portugal, Italy and France to compete in 2019 tournament in Brazil
Cristiano Ronaldo could yet add another trophy to his list of honours, according to reports
THE Copa America could be about to get a European flavour with plans to invite Spain, Portugal, France and Italy to compete in the 2019 edition.
The competition is run by Conmebol, the governing body of South American football, and it determines the international champion for the continent.
Brazil, Argentina and Colombia are among the giants that regularly battle it out for the prize, but they could soon be joined by some of Europe’s heavyweights if the organisers’ plans are put into practice.
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The current format for the tournament is 12 teams, but a meeting at Conmebol’s headquarters in the coming weeks will decide whether to expand the tournament to 16 nations.
According to , the 2019 edition in Brazil is likely to stick with the dozen – ten from Conmebol and Mexico and USA also taking part.
However, a discussion will be held on whether to invite the Latin nations from Europe, with Japan also keen on entering.
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The report on the Brazilian news website also revealed that it will be the last time the Copa America will be played in an odd year.
From 2020, the tournament will be organised to run parallel with the European Championship, which takes place every four years.
The number of participants in 2019 will also determine the amount of venues used.
Early indications are that the stadiums from the 2014 World Cup will be used to host the matches.
Chile are the current holders of the Copa America, winning the last two editions on penalties against Argentina.