<p>BUENOS AIRES — Argentinian President Alberto Fernández said Tuesday his country would consider hosting the entire Copa America if Colombia is unable to co-host because of social unrest.</p>
<p>It was the first time an Argentinian official publicly acknowledged the possibility of hosting the full tournament, scheduled for June 13 to July 10.</p>
<p>“We can analyze organizing all of Copa America in Argentina,” Fernández told radio Diez.</p>
<p>Fernández’ statements came as doubts emerged about Colombia’s ability to co-host the tournament amid <a href="https://apnews.com/article/colombia-business-tax-reform-health-coronavirus-pandemic-4783fa3719a9d204bfdcdfb7fe079a76">protests</a> against the administration of President Iván Duque. The Colombian government insists it can.</p>
<p>Last week, police and protesters clashed in the cities of Pereira and Barranquilla, the latter of which is scheduled to hold the Copa America final.</p>
<p>A Copa Libertadores match last week between Colombia’s América de Cali and Brazil’s Atlético Mineiro was interrupted several times because of tear gas used to disperse the protesters.</p>
<p>The original Copa America plan has Buenos Aires hosting the opening match, a quarterfinal and a semifinal. The cities of Córdoba, Mendoza and Santiago del Estero will hold matches of Group A.</p>
<p>Fernández added that Copa America will be played without attendance in Argentinian stadia. More than 71,000 people have died of COVID-19 in the South American country.</p>
<hr />
<p>More AP soccer: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/soccer">https://apnews.com/hub/soccer</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Sports">https://twitter.com/AP_Sports</a></p>
