It’s been fair to say the recent news involving Brazilian club Chapecoense has made the game feel rather insignificant.
As many facets of the world game have spent the week giving tributes to the footballers that never returned, the South American governing body behind the Copa final, the fateful destination for the Chapecoense players, have awarded the title to the Brazilian side as well as the $2 million prize money.
Speaking after a memorial in Chapeco on Saturday, Vice President of the tournament Ivan Tozzo confirmed the news;
“CONMEBOL have testified that they will crown Chapecoense as champions of the Copa Sudamericana,”
“We are receiving support from all federations. The CBF, CONMEBOL, FIFA, and especially the people of Chapeco.
“Right now we are beginning to rebuild the team. People want football, people love football in Chapeco. Therefore, we must continue this. Let’s talk and do well, let the dust settle and rebuild the team for next year.”
Fellow finalist Atletico National, heavy supporters behind the idea to give the trophy to their devastated opponents, will be given an award for fair play consisting of $1 million.
A Statement from CONMEBAL read;
“For CONMEBOL there is no greater example of the ‘spirit of peace, understanding and fair play’ set forth as an objective of our institution than the solidarity, consideration and respect shown by Atletico National towards its brothers from Chapecoense,”
CONMEBOL otorga el título de Campeón de la #CopaSudamericana 2016 a Chapecoense: https://t.co/UTgU9ksznz pic.twitter.com/reUCoRUXQu
— CONMEBOL.com (@CONMEBOL) December 5, 2016