The Copa America, won by Argentina after they beat Brazil in the final in Rio de Janeiro, reported 179 cases of COVID-19 ©Getty Images

Brazil's Ministry of Health has revealed there were 179 COVID-19 cases related to the Copa América, which concluded last Saturday (July 10), up a further 13 from the last update.

It comes 17 days after the previous update in late June, when the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) reported there were 166 confirmed cases.

This figure did not take into account the 7,800 spectators who attended the final between Argentina and Brazil at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Argentina's Ángel Di María scored the only goal of the match, giving the South American giants their first title at the tournament since 1993.

It was the only match of the tournament to be held with spectators.

"The very low contagion certifies that Copa América took place in Brazil with safety and didn't cause an increase in COVID-19 numbers," said the Ministry of Health.

Despite a spike in cases before the tournament, there has been a downward trend since then.

However, most days over the last month have continued to show more than 1,000 daily deaths in Brazil.

Approximately 14.5 per cent of Brazil has been fully-vaccinated against COVID-19.

Copa América was won by Argentina for the first time in 28 years ©Getty Images
Copa América was won by Argentina for the first time in 28 years ©Getty Images

The Ministry of Health announced that 28,772 tests were taken during the tournament, which started on June 11, with 0.6 per cent of results coming back positive.

A total of 36 positive cases came from players or staff of national teams, 137 from outsourced workers and six related to CONMEBOL.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, critical of social distancing and an advocate for hosting the tournament, did not show up to any matches.

The tournament was moved to Brazil at the start of June after Argentina and Colombia withdrew hosting duties respectively.

Colombia pulled out due to security and political issues related to mass protests in the country; while Argentina cited concerns of a rise in COVID-19 cases.

Euro 2020 and the ongoing Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football Gold Cup have also been hit by COVID-19 cases.

Cuba were forced to withdraw from the Gold Cup qualifying in the United States due to visa issues and COVID-19 restrictions, while Curaçao were replaced at the last minute by Guatemala due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the team.