Canada Will Not Attend Copa

Ottawa, Ontario – The Canadian Soccer Association today issued the following statement in regards to the decision to reinstate the Copa America.
“In response to the decision to reinstate the Copa America tournament, the Canadian Soccer Association will not be able to participate,” said CSA President Jim Fleming. “The preparation for the Canadian team was previously in place with a pre-tournament camp and a friendly with Panama arranged. On June 30, the CSA was informed of the postponement of the tournament until 2002. We respected this decision and accordingly cancelled our preparations and released our players to return to their Clubs.
“At this time it would be impossible for us to regroup as our players are scattered across Europe with their Clubs in various pre-season camps.
“We want to express our regrets that we will not be able to attend and wish the organizers of the tournament much success.”
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