COVID-19: Brazilian Club Goias Postpone Opening Game Moments Before Kick-Off After 10 Players Test Positive

Brazilian Club side Goias Esporte Clube were forced to shift their opening game on Sunday, August 9, 2020, after 10 of their players tested positive for COVID-19.

The news was revealed by the club in an announcement, disclosing that hours before kick-off yesterday, 10 out of their 26-man squad had their coronavirus test results showing positive.

Out of the 10 players, 8 were set to feature in the starting line-up against Sao Paolo on Sunday.

Brazil has over 3 million cases of COVID-19 and over 100,000 have been confirmed as casualties of the pandemic in the South American nation.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (BFC) carried out COVID-19 tests last Thursday and said that as they were “improperly packaged”, the club would conduct more testing the following day.

Jorge Pagura, President of the CBF’s medical commission, told SporTV:

As soon as it was clear that the results came out, that Goias had 10 players with a positive test, we started to contact the Goias medical department.

Goias requested, as is its right, to do a counter-test. We awaited the results. In order not to lose the game we waited the maximum amount of time. Near the time to make the decision came the result of the 10 positives. At that time, health comes first.”

In a written statement, Sao Paolo stated that they approved of the decision not to go forward with Sunday’s game.

Sao Paulo expresses its support and informs that it is in agreement with the decision to postpone the game this Sunday, in Goiania.

There is nothing more important, at this time than preserving health and reflecting to society the importance of taking care.”