Teams threaten Copa America boycott

The South American Football Confederation will hold crisis talks amid reports that Peru, Colombia, Bolivia and Ecuador could boycott the Copa America.

The countries are unhappy that FIFA have banned matches from being staged more than 2,500 metres above sea level.

Football’s governing body says holding games at such high altitude gives teams unfair advantage.

But the ban means many countries will no longer be able to play in their long-established home stadiums.

Colombia name Copa America hopefuls

Ivan Ramiro Cordoba, Edixon Perea and Jhon Viafara are among five Europe-based players named in Colombia’s provisional Copa America squad.

Bolivia scouting report: Moreno’s return

Bolivia veteran Jaime Moreno played his first international match for five years in the 1-1 draw with Ireland — but was his call-up a gimmick or a genuine opportunity for the 33-year-old to earn a place at the Copa America this summer?

Was the all-time top scorer in the U.S.A.’s Major League Soccer (pictured, right) called up to draw the crowds for the friendly in Massachusetts, or does coach Erwin Sanchez consider using the 33-year-old to guide his inexperienced side?

The former Middlesbrough striker’s contribution was significant. He was the architect of Bolivia’s goal, dancing around Ireland defenders, finding himself deep in the box, before releasing Arce to shoot. The ball eventually fell to Hoyos, who blasted an equaliser to Shane Long’s headed opener for Ireland two minutes earlier.

Robinho leads rookie Brazil Copa squad

Real Madrid’s Robinho leads an inexperienced attack in Brazil’s preliminary squad for the Copa America.

The 23-year-old (pictured left) is the most-capped striker in coach Dunga’s 34-man list following the withdrawal of Selecao stars such as Kaka and Ronaldinho.

Marquez injury misery for Mexico

Mexico defender Rafael Marquez faces a race against time to be fit for the Copa America after aggravating a thigh injury.

Sevilla fear losing Brazilian riches

Sevilla coach Juande Ramos fears losing key players on Copa America duty as his team fight to win the Spanish double.

With Kaka and Ronaldinho taking the summer off, Ramos believes his Brazil internationals – Daniel Alves (pictured), Renato, Adriano Correia and Luis Fabiano – could all be called on for the South American championship.

Digest: Unfinished stadiums chaos + MORE

Copa America plunged into doubt by unfinished stadiums +++ Mexico defender Rafael Marquez (pictured right) could miss the tournament through injury +++ Sevilla fear Brazil call-ups will deplete their squad as they push for the Spanish double +++ Ecuador drew 1-1 with Ireland

A European Cup clash made in South America

This could have been a Copa America preview, had Kaka (pictured right) not already spoiled it by announcing he didn’t want to play in Venezuela this summer.

Nonetheless, the Brazil star’s tussle with Javier Mascherano was always likely to have a big say in who would be crowned club champions of Europe. Would it be a sixth Liverpool title — made in Argentina — or would Kaka’s Milan be in seventh heaven in Athens?

Unfinished stadiums cause Copa America chaos

Inspections have revealed some Copa America stadiums may not be ready in time for next month’s tournament in Venezuela.

Plans for the championship have been plunged into chaos by CONMEBOL, who are refusing to confirm the Copa America schedule until progress has been made.

Calm down Solano, Uribe insists

Coach Julio Cesar Uribe has hit back at midfielder Nolberto Solano in the ongoing Peru soap opera.

Uribe has told the Newcastle United veteran (pictured) to calm down if he wants to play in the Copa America.