Atlético Mineiro have asked for the indefinite cancellation of their match with Chapocoense, due to take place in December. Galo and Chapocoense were scheduled to play one another in the final match of the Brasileirão season.
But following the tragic events that befell the Chapeco club this week, Atlético believe the fixture should not be fulfilled. In any case, the match has few consequences on the league table, with Atlético guaranteed 4th place regardless of the result. Chapocoense sit in 9th and could have finished 8th or 10th pending the result.
The final weekend of the season has been moved back 7 days due to the disaster, as has the Copa do Brasil final 2nd leg between Grêmio and Atlético Mineiro, that was due to take place tonight. Atlético released a statement on their website on Tuesday declaring their fixture with Chapocoense insignificant.
“What Brazilian football needs, at this moment, is a true respect for mourning,” the statement read. “Even as a humanitarian issue, it is against the fulfilment of the match in the last round of the Brasileirão, considering it untenable in light of events.
“It is important that there is a deliberation of the CBF and the other clubs in Serie A. It supports the union of clubs and federations in order to mitigate the sporting consequences of this tragedy for Chapecoense, we consider that the priority at this moment is to support the families of those involved in the tragedy.”
