⚠️ Controversy at Copa América Femenina: Brazil and Bolivia Forced to Warm Up in Closed Room Due to CONMEBOL Restrictions
Brazil and Bolivia’s players were forced to warm up together in a small room before their Copa América Femenina match. Ary Borges and Marta harshly criticized CONMEBOL’s poor organization.
Pre-Match Chaos Before Bolivia vs Brazil
The Copa América Femenina 2025 match between Bolivia and Brazil was overshadowed by a shocking incident that drew widespread criticism. Players from both teams were forced to warm up together in a closed room at Estadio Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda due to a CONMEBOL regulation banning on-field warmups.
Questionable CONMEBOL Restrictions
CONMEBOL claimed the ban was necessary due to field overuse, as stadiums are hosting two matches per day. However, the lack of proper warmup conditions has sparked outrage among players, coaches, and fans.
Ary Borges: “Even amateur games are better organized”
Brazilian forward Ary Borges didn’t hold back:
"Today we experienced a very difficult situation. Even amateur matches are better organized than this. Ask Alejandro Domínguez if he’s ever had to warm up in a 5 or 10-meter space that smells like paint."
She added that players had to share a cramped 15-square-meter room for warmups—an unacceptable condition at an international tournament.
Arthur Elias, Brazil Head Coach: “This puts players’ health at risk”
Brazil’s head coach Arthur Elias expressed concern:
"One of our players felt muscle discomfort after warming up in such a space, and another had to enter the match without warming up properly. This is a serious health risk and affects the quality of the match."
Elias warned that this situation impacts the game, leading to slow starts and more mistakes due to a lack of preparation.
Marta: “If you demand excellence, you must also offer it”
Brazilian legend Marta also weighed in:
"It’s been a while since I played in a South American tournament, and it saddens me to see this. If high performance is expected of us, we also have the right to expect a high level of organization."
She questioned CONMEBOL’s decision, especially considering the heat and altitude in Quito, which further complicate physical preparation.
A Recurring Issue in Women’s Tournaments?
Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated case. Just nine months ago, players from Corinthians publicly denounced poor organization at the CONMEBOL Women’s Libertadores, even after winning the title.
A Clear Message to CONMEBOL
The pre-match incident before Bolivia vs Brazil highlights that despite the growth of women’s football, infrastructure and professionalism still lag far behind what female athletes deserve. Ary Borges, Marta, and Arthur Elias have made it clear: if excellence is expected on the pitch, the same must be demanded off it.