Andina

Peru: President meets with IPD chair and national soccer team coach

AFP

14:41 | Lima, Aug. 10.

Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra held a meeting with Peruvian Sports Institute (IPD) Chair Gustavo San Martin and national soccer team head coach Ricardo Gareca, following the suspension of the domestic tournament's League 1.

In statements to Andina news agency, San Martin reported that the meeting made it possible to collect opinions concerning the conditions for the resumption of the sports activity, but placing health as the primary concern.

"The Government's position is the same that we have: that sports are very important and that the guarantees for the resumption must exist," said the IPD head.

He also pointed out that —during the meeting— Gareca underlined the importance of soccer in society and his concern with a view to qualifying for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Peruvian Soccer Federation Sports Director Juan Carlos Oblitas and the team's physical trainer Nestor Bonillo also participated in the event.

San Martin welcomed the communication bridges that have been established to address the issue, and announced that the meetings with the competent authorities will continue.

Last Friday, the IPD announced the suspension of the remaining matches of League 1's round 7, which had begun that day.

The decision was adopted after the excesses of Universitario de Deportes team fans, which were characterized by public order disturbance outside Lima's National Stadium and the setting off of fireworks.

(END) VVS/FPQ/MVB

Publicado: 10/8/2020