Soccer officials still eye US for centennial Copa America

MGN

MEXICO CITY (AP) – Soccer officials say they still intend to hold the centennial edition of the Copa America tournament in the United States next year.

CONCACAF communications and marketing director Jurgen Mainka says “several steps” remain to finalize the tournament, but officials are moving toward that goal.

Mainka spoke Thursday as leaders of the CONCACAF and CONMEBOL federations met in Mexico City.

The tournament is scheduled to take place June 3-26. But its status has been uncertain since a corruption scandal in May that rocked world soccer’s governing body, FIFA.

The U.S. Justice Department alleges that officials took bribes in exchange for rights to four Copa America tournaments including the centennial.

Local Headlines

President Biden to visit Tampa for reproductive freedom event

President Joe Biden is set to appear in Tampa to give remarks during a reproductive freedom event on Tuesday.

Refreshing Tuesday morning, then a warm and sunny afternoon

The Weather Authority is tracking a cool Tuesday morning start with seasonal afternoon temperatures, bringing in suns and clouds.

Lehigh Acres crash temporarily closes Bell Boulevard South

A crash on Bell Boulevard South has shut down traffic in both directions, creating heavy traffic delays in Lehigh Acres.

2 dead following deadly motorcycle crash south of US-41

Two people are dead following a deadly motorcycle crash that occurred late Monday night south of US-41 in Fort Myers.

Observation Wheel proposed for Downtown Fort Myers

Councilman Johnny Streets is taking his vision for the city of Fort Myers to new heights. He’s asking the council to consider building an observation wheel downtown, similar to the ones seen in places like Miami or Myrtle Beach.