CONMEBOL Refuses To Confirm U.S. Will Remain Host Of '16 Copa America Tournament

CONMEBOL has "cast doubt" on the location of next year's Copa América by "refusing to confirm" it will be held in the U.S. as originally planned, according to Daniela Desantis of REUTERS. A "wide-reaching investigation into corruption inside FIFA appears to have cast doubt on the plans." CONMEBOL President Juan Angel Napout said, "We want to keep going with what we've done, keep going with CONCACAF but we understand the moment they are going through and we are not going to force anyone to do anything." Former CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb, who was a "key player" in organizing the joint CONMEBOL/CONCACAF tournament, was arrested in May, along with former CONMEBOL Presidents Eugenio Figueredo and Nicolás Leoz. The indictment "made reference to several alleged bribes paid in connection to the hosting of the centenary tournament." Napout said that he would "meet with CONCACAF officials on Thursday or Friday to further discuss joint plans" (REUTERS, 8/27).