The Chilean Football Federation (FFC) said on Sunday that several Chilean players would be fined after inviting a hairdresser into the Copa America bubble, breaking strict protocols designed to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
The FFC said no player or official tested positive for COVID-19 after the incident, but acknowledged the error and apologized in a brief statement.
In a statement, the federation said it "recognizes a breach of the health bubble of the squad participating in the Copa America, with the unauthorized entry of a barber who, despite his negative PCR test, should not have contact with the players." was."
The FFC did not specify the number or names of the players involved, but said they would be fined.
"We regret that we were brought into this situation and we inform that all members of the squad tested negative for the virus on Saturday," the federation said.
Chile coach Martin Lasart told a news conference that his players had "made a serious mistake."
"It was a mistake, a madness, but it's over now," Lasart said, adding that all players are eligible for Chile's next match against Uruguay. He did not say when the barber went to the team hotel in Chile.
The news came at the end of the first week of the Copa America, which has been surrounded by events related to COVID-19.
Four of the 10 teams - Bolivia, Chile, Colombia and Venezuela - have seen players or officials self-isolate because of positive tests. One of the Peruvian squad's fitness coaches tested positive for COVID-19 in Lima.
Brazil had agreed to host the tournament less than two weeks before it was due to start after Argentina withdrew due to a surge in COVID-19 cases there.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro agreed to assume responsibility despite the large number of COVID-19 cases there as well.
The total death toll in South America's largest country crossed 500,000 on Saturday. Brazil has killed more people from COVID-19 than any other country in the United States.
Tournament organizers said the 2021 Copa America would be "the safest sporting event in the world".