It seems Americans may get a taste of South American soccer next summer after all.
Despite doubts that the Copa America Centenario would remain in the United States in light of the FIFA corruption scandal that resulted in nine indictments for racketeering, conspiracy and corruption charges, CONMEBOL president Juan Angel Napout said on Friday that the event will go on as originally planned.
"We have once again ratified the unanimous decision taken at a meeting in August to hold Copa America in its original format in the United States," Napout said in an interview with Paraguayan radio station Urbana.
"I was one of those who dreamt of this cup, work has been going on and we have advanced considerably," Napout added. "Now what we need is the goodwill to get it back on track."
On Thursday, CONMEBOL announced they will meet with interim CONCACAF President Alfredo Hawit on September 17 in Mexico City to discuss the tournament. CONCACAF has not commented officially on Napout's claims or responded to MLSsoccer.com's request for confirmation or clarification.
Copa America is typically held every four years in a South American country. The 2016 tournament will mark the 100th anniversary of the competition -- the oldest in international soccer -- and will include all 10 teams from CONMEBOL as well as six from CONCACAF.
