Colombia plane crash: Brazil to play Colombia in poignant friendly in January to raise money for families of Chapecoense plane crash victims

BRAZIL have invited Colombia to play a friendly with money from the game going to the families of the Chapecoense plane crash victims.

Last week’s horror killed 71 passengers and crew and wiped out nearly the entire football team.

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Chapecoense were travelling to Colombia to play Atletico Nacional in the final of the Copa Sudamericana when their plane came down in Medellin.

Brazil has been plunged into mourning but now the country’s football governing body say they want to reach out to their neighbours to play a feel-good friendly.

A Brazil Football Confederation spokesman said: “The idea is that the game will be against Colombia, for all that represents.

“But we don’t know if they will be able to come because of the dates.

“But a friendly will take place, against someone else if not Colombia, probably on either January 22 or 25.

“The proceeds from the match will be sent to the families of the players, the staff and those involved with Chapecoense who died in the crash.”

EFE

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AP:Associated Press

The CBF also said it would donate £1.1million to the tragic club to help it get back on its feet.

Ronaldinho and Eidur Gudjohnsen have both said they would be willing to play for Chapecoense.

That came as it was revealed Chape star Alan Ruschel avoided death for a third time in the disaster.

The Brazilian club side - the equivalent of Leicester with their rapid rise up the ranks - were yesterday confirmed Sudamericana champions.

That gives them an automatic spot in next year's Copa Libertadores, the South American version of the Champions League.