Soccer-Bolivia striker faces sanction after criticizing organizers

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - World Cup 2022 South American Qualifiers - Bolivia v Argentina - Hernando Siles Stadium, La Paz, Bolivia - October 13, 2020 Bolivia's Marcelo Martins celebrates scoring their first goal Juan Karita/Pool via Reuters

ASUNCION (Reuters) - The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) has opened disciplinary proceedings against Bolivian striker Marcelo Martins after he criticized the organization for hosting the Copa America amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONMEBOL's disciplinary committee has asked the Cruzeiro player to prepare a defense after his sharp words were posted on social media, a source within the organization told Reuters.