While this summer’s Euro 2025 was marked by record attendances, a smooth operation and memorable performances capped by England’s triumph, the women’s Copa America has suffered in comparison.
As Brazil and Colombia prepare for Sunday’s final, the tournament in Ecuador has come in for criticism for poor organisation, low attendances and below-par refereeing.
With Brazil hosting the 2027 World Cup, it was hoped Conmebol would raise its game, and standards, for the Copa America Femenina after similar problems at the Copa Libertadores Femenina in Paraguay.
Brazil legend and six-time Fifa Player of the Year Marta has been vocal in her criticism, questioning organisers for making teams warm up in confined indoor areas rather than on the pitch.
Images spread on social media, before her country’s dominant Group B win over Bolivia, of players from both teams warming up side by side in a confined area at the Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda Stadium.
The measure was taken to prevent damage to the pitch, which hosted two matches in a day during the group stage, and left the 39-year-old Marta – who retired after the Olympics last year – “saddened by these circumstances”.
Manchester City’s Brazil forward Kerolin reflected on the difference with the Euros as she wrote on her X account: “While at the Euros they are breaking records in technology, we are warming up in a room with a maximum of 20 square metres, smelling of paint.”
