One of Colombia’s most famous exports, Shakira, will be taking over the Copa America final, but her compatriots aren’t happy.
The pop sensation has been announced for the half-time show at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida as Argentina look to defend their continental crown against a Colombia side who are in their first final since 2001.
You’d think Colombia might be happy to see one of the nation’s icons, but in fact, the opposite is true.
This is because the tournament’s governing body, CONMEBOL, have announced they will extend half-time from 15 minutes to 20 for her show.
Commenting on the decision, Colombia head coach Néstor Lorenzo said: “I don’t understand it to be honest.
“I think the halftime for the final should be 15 minutes because those are the rules. And because we’ve been fined when we’ve walked back onto the pitch 16 minutes later. But now apparently, because there’s going to be a concert, we’ll be walking back out 20 to 25 minutes later.
“This could affect the players’ fitness. They could cool down too much. Those minutes of recovery in the dressing room… people don’t understand what it takes to reach those levels.
“But again, this will affect both teams. I had heard about it yesterday but I wasn’t sure if it was true. I was told not to worry about it but I found out today it was happening.”
The Copa America, held in the USA, has come under constant criticism from its participants for a lack of organisation and care, with particular anger directed towards the poor quality of pitches.
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