The 2025 Copa America Femenina isn’t turning out to be what many hoped it would be. Having kicked off in Ecuador on July 11 and set to run until August 2, ardent fans, players, and teams alike have been looking forward to this tournament that is rivalling the ongoing UEFA Women’s Euros. Yet, unfortunately, this 10th edition of this event has turned out to be quite troubling, compelling even someone like Marta to expose some shocking truths about the ongoing CONMEBOL tournament.

The 39-year-old’s frustration stems from the day of Brazil’s second Group B clash against Bolivia on Tuesday, where players from either side were forced to warm up in a cramped indoor space at the Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda Stadium. The reason, you ask? Well, tournament organizers were themselves compelled to enforce this rule in order to protect the field, which sees back-to-back matches during the group stage, from getting damaged.

Of course, this had left many frustrated, including Marta, who couldn’t hold back in expressing her disappointment over the conditions. “It’s been a long time since I played in a tournament here in South America, and we were saddened by these circumstances,” began the Orlando Pride striker while speaking to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, per an ESPN report.

“Athletes are expected to perform well and work hard, but we also have to demand a high level of organisation. There wasn’t enough space for both teams, but both wanted to prepare. I really don’t understand why we can’t warm up on the pitch,” added the forward who came out of international retirement for the competition after enduring last year’s Paris Olympics final defeat against USWNT.

The 6x FIFA World Player of the Year winner explained how this problem stems from how hot it is typically in the stadium on top of the altitude, before urging CONMEBOL to make some changes around and improve the situation. In fact, she wasn’t alone in ranting, with head coach Arthur Elias also citing potential risks involved for players while using a pitch with such conditions.

Midfielder Ary Borges also voiced strong criticism of CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez, openly highlighting the stark inequalities between the men’s and women’s tournaments. “Even amateur matches are better organised than what we have here. Ask Alejandro if he could warm-up in a space measuring five or 10 metres and smelling of paint,” she said.

Borges questioned why the women’s tournament was facing such issues when the Men’s Copa América enjoyed top-tier infrastructure. She pointed out that this was something the president needed to address, adding that the women’s game deserved better treatment. Then again, there was no immediate response from CONMEBOL when asked by Reuters, as ESPN mentioned.

No filter, straight jab served on a platter. Then again, if you think the Copa America Femenina has only been about poor pitch conditions, then wait until we tell you more about other unfortunate developments.

Marta and her teammates’ complaint is just one of many issues facing the Copa América Femenina

Believe it or not, but the situation at the Copa América Femenina is so poor that even basic features like VAR (Video Assistant Referees) are missing. Journalist Jeff Kassouf called out this issue on X, saying the absence of VAR shows CONMEBOL’s lack of commitment to investing in the women’s game. He also warned that without VAR, the tournament risks being filled with unchecked refereeing errors.

Elizabeth Eads, another journalist, backed his concerns, replying that the games have been “terrible,” with inconsistent officiating made worse by the lack of video review. Now, even though there are more matches to come, CONMEBOL and its partners haven’t offered a real fix, just blaming financial constraints. This leaves teams and players dealing with unfair and inadequate conditions.

And the problems aren’t just with CONMEBOL. Even before the tournament began, Uruguay’s women’s team faced internal issues, boycotting training sessions in protest over the lack of support from their own federation. But on the brighter side, the players did reach an agreement over this situation.

Either way, these are some huge concerns for all 10 South American nations involved in the tournament. The concerned authorities really need to step up and solve these issues; otherwise, it will turn out to be a huge problem.