Chile admits soccer players violated coronavirus protocol at Copa

Chile’s soccer federation on Sunday said that its soccer players violated the COVID-19 protocol at the Copa America tournament, multiple news outlets reported.

The Football Federation of Chile issued a statement on Sunday acknowledging that players on the national team violated protocols by allowing the entry of a barber, who tested negative for the virus. 

Inter Milan star midfielder Arturo Vidal and team captain Gary Medel are among the players involved, according to a Reuters report.

“The Chilean Soccer Federation and the coaching staff of the Chilean Adult Male National Team acknowledge the breach of the health bubble of the delegation that participates in the Copa América, with the unauthorized entry of a hairdresser who, despite having a PCR test negative, he should not have come into contact with the players,” FFC said in their statement. ”Those involved will be financially sanctioned.”

FFC also said the players involved in the situation have tested negative for the virus. 

Copa America 2021 is being held in Brazil after Argentina withdraw from hosting the tournament due to surging COVID-19 cases in the country. 

In a news conference, Chilean head coach Martin Lasarte told reporters in the AP report that his players made “a serious mistake.”

“It was an error, a temerity, but that is over now.” 

Chile’s next match is against Uruguay on Monday.