Brazilian FA sets up Sh2 billion COVID-19 relief fund for clubs

he Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) headquarters is pictured in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, November 28, 2016. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has set up a R$100 million (16.32 million pounds) relief fund to help top-flight clubs mitigate the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clubs in Brazil's second tier have been allocated R$15 million, the governing body added in a statement.

Soccer has been suspended since March due to the pandemic and clubs have struggled to cope with the loss of matchday revenue and ticket sales.

The CBF had previously allocated R$19 million to clubs in Brazil’s third and fourth tiers, as well as the top two divisions of the women’s league.

Brazil has South America’s highest death toll from the novel coronavirus, with over 37,000 fatalities.