This year's Copa América will go ahead with only 10 teams, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) said on Monday, as it abandoned plans to replace Australia and Qatar, the two sides who withdrew due to fixture congestion.

"As is traditional, CONMEBOL invited teams from other confederations," the body said in a statement. "However, the suspended matches and delays brought about by the pandemic that affected world football impeded other nations from participating."

ASUNCION — The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) has decided to suspend this month's double header of World Cup qualifiers for Qatar 2022 amid concern over the COVID-19 pandemic and strict quarantine restrictions.

The 10 South American teams were due to play two games on March 25/26 and March 30 but CONMEBOL acknowledged tightening lockdown and quarantine regulations mean many of the European-based players will be unable to travel.

Rounds 5 and 6 of the CONMEBOL 2022 World Cup qualifiers, scheduled for this month, are not fully confirmed due to the restrictions on players due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

CONMEBOL representatives will hold a key meeting this week, most likely on Friday, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, to know the position of the world soccer governing body regarding the difficulties that South American teams have to make their player selections.