Kidnap crisis halts Copa America - for good ?

Next month's Copa America is suspended until a kidnapped Colombian federation official has been returned unharmed.

Most of South America's top players are not willing to take part in the Colombian event after a wave of violence in recent months which saw several cities bombed last month.

Brazil star Rivaldo confirmed yesterday that he would not take part in the Copa citing fatigue but Paraguay captain Jose Luis Chilavert says he will not be at the Copa because of fears that civil unrest and violence in Colombia could mar the event.

The Peruvian federation says the event is still going ahead but is now suspended until Hernan Mejia Campuzano is released by kidnappers.

"It has been suspended, not canceled, until the kidnap victim is handed in or returned," Wilmer del Aguila, chief spokesman of the Peruvian Football Federation, said tonight.

Hernan Mejia Campuzano, vice-president of the Colombian Football Federation, was seized by armed men in a rural area of western Colombia while driving between the central Province of Risaralda and Choco Province, according to Colombian army reports.

Uruguay have offered themselves as an alternative venue while Campuzano has been at the forefront of trying to allay fears over violence at the Copa next month.

CSF president Leoz is distressed by the kidnapping and could cancel the entire event.

"I reitarate that we are paying close attention to this and we are in constant contact with the presidents of the ten member associations and we will take the decision that is most beneficial and most convenient for South American football."

The kidnap took place apparanetly at a random set up by rebels wanting extortion money.

An anonymous letter was sent to Argentina's ambassador in Bogota threatening the Argentine team earlier this week as Colombia continues to suffer a 37 year war.