SAO PAULO (AP) — Three top-tier clubs on Monday urged Brazil’s soccer federation to suspend their national league matches for the next 20 days because of serious flooding.
Internacional, Gremio and Juventude are based in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, which has been devastated by floods since last week.
Authorities say at least 83 people have been killed over the last seven days in the region and another 111 are reported missing.
The stadiums of Internacional and Gremio in the state capital Porto Alegre have been inundated and severely damaged by the water.
“The absolute priority at this moment is to support thousands of people who have been hit,” Internacional said in a statement. “We ask for understanding, solidarity, empathy and support at such a delicate an extraordinary moment.”
All three clubs had their weekend matches in the fifth round of the Brazilian league suspended. Internacional is in 9th position with seven points, three behind leader Athletico Paranaense.
Top clubs urge Brazil's soccer federation to suspend league matches because of flooding
WHO asks China for more information on spike in pediatric respiratory illnesses
Health NZ chairperson resigns after less than a year in position
Bill to remove Easter alcohol restrictions drawn from ballot
Lawsuit alleges decades of child sex abuse at Illinois juvenile detention centers statewide
VOX POPULI: History of ‘shunto’ spring labor offensive seems timely
Australian experts play down fears of a new epidemic out of China
VOX POPULI: The special charm of Gaudi’s unfinished work: Sagrada Familia
Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin, the dominant NASCAR Cup Series drivers, could have a blooming rivalry
Millions of people across Oklahoma, southern Kansas at risk of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms
New York appeals court rejects Donald Trump’s third request to delay Monday's hush money trial