Top clubs are calling on the Brazilian Football Association to suspend league games due to flooding

SAO PAULO (AP) — Three top clubs on Monday called on the Brazilian soccer federation to suspend their domestic league games for the next 20 days because of severe flooding.

Internacional, Gremio and Juventude are based in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, which has been hit by floods since last week.

According to authorities, at least 83 people have been killed in the region over the past seven days and another 111 are missing.

The Internacional and Gremio stadiums in the state capital Porto Alegre were flooded and severely damaged by the water.

“The absolute priority at this moment is to support the thousands of people who have been hit,” Internacional said in a statement. “We ask for understanding, solidarity, empathy and support in such a delicate and extraordinary moment.”

The weekend games of the fifth round of the Brazilian league were suspended for all three clubs. Internacional is in 9th place with seven points, three behind leaders Athletico Paranaense.

Gremio is in 11th place with six points and Juventude has five competition points.

The Brazilian Football Association said it would examine the request.

The rains forced more than 80,000 people to leave their homes. About 15,000 people have sought refuge in schools, gymnasiums and other emergency shelters.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visited Rio Grande do Sul for the second time on Sunday, accompanied by Defense Minister José Múcio, Finance Minister Fernando Haddad and Environment Minister Marina Silva, among others. The leftist leader and his team monitored the flooded streets of Porto Alegre from a helicopter.

During Sunday Mass at the Vatican, Pope Francis said he was praying for the people of the state.

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