In the wake of the tragic plane crash that cost 71 people their lives, including much of the Chapecoense team, the stricken Brazilian club has at least been given one thing to celebrate. CONMEBOL has officially awarded Chapecoense the Copa Sudamericana title they were traveling to Colombia to play for.
Chapecoense awarded 2016 Copa Sudamericana
Brazilian club Chapoense have officially been awarded the 2016 Copa Sudamericana title in the wake of the plane crash that killed 71 people, including 19 club players and staff.
Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
The award comes after their opponents for that match, Colombian side Atletico Nacional, repeatedly insisted that Chapecoense be given the title. For their part in the decision, Atletico have been given the competition’s Fair Play Award, as well as $1 million in prize money for finishing second in the competition. $2 million will be awarded to Chapecoense as the winners of the Copa Sudamericana, money that will almost certainly be put into rebuilding the squad.
Chapecoense had earned a place in the final of one of South America’s most prestigious competitions in exciting fashion, including a dramatic win over a much bigger club in Argentina’s San Lorenzo, plus a win over Argentina’s Independiente in the first knockout round. They’d certainly earned their place in the final and it looked like it was going to be an exciting match, but tragedy struck. Instead, the stadium was used for a memorial service in honor of the 71 victims.
While winning such an honor as the Copa Sudamericana trophy is only a minor salve in the wake of such pain and loss, this is at least a gesture of respect and positive wishes that will be greatly appreciated. It can be a symbol to build around as the club rebuilds itself and moves into the future, and hopefully it will just be the first of many major trophies the club will in in the coming years.
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