November 30 – The Brazilian government has declared three days of national mourning for the victims of the plane disaster in Colombia that killed 75 people including the bulk of the Chapecoense players and officials travelling for the Copa Sudamerica final first leg, as well as a string of Brazilian sports journalists.
Brazil postponed all matches for a week as tributes poured in from around the world, with FIFA saying the Brazilian journalists killed “were both colleagues and friends of FIFA’s Communications staff.”
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic news and we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives on their way to cover the final match of Copa Sudamericana.”
UEFA added its voice to the tributes saying it was “shocked and saddened” by the tragedy that occurred outside the city of Medellin leaving only six survivors as the unheralded team from southern Brazil were heading for the biggest game in its history, South America’s equivalent of the Europa League, against Atletico Nacional. Three of those who survived were reported to be players.
Brazilian soccer legend Pele captured the mood of a nation when he tweeted “Brazilian football is in mourning”.
The second leg of the Brazilian Cup final between Gremio and Atletico Mineiro was delayed from Wednesday until December 7. The final round of matches in the Brazilian Serie A now will take place on December 11, a week later than planned.
The aircraft had reported electrical problems and declared an emergency minutes earlier as it neared its destination, Medellin airport officials said.
It was the first time Chapecoense, who played fourth-tier football as recently as 2009, had reached the final of a major South American club competition. “They were the hope of our city,” agencies quoted Jean Panegalli, 17, a student in Chapecoas, as saying. “They played for love of the shirt and not for money. They played with the commitment that only those who have lived here know.”
Atletico Nacional, meanwhile, have asked the South American Football Confederation CONMEBOL to award the trophy to Chapecoense in a touching gesture.
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