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MARK OF RESPECT

Colombia plane crash: ALL South American football suspended after Chapecoense team involved in plane crash

SOUTH AMERICAN football has been suspended until further notice following the tragic plane crash involving Brazilian football team Chapecoense.

The South American Football Federation (Conmebol) confirmed the decision in a statement that read: "All federation activities are suspended until further notice."

(FILES) This taken on Novembe
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All South American football has been suspended after Chapecoense crashed en route to the Sudamericana final in MedellinCredit: Getty Images

It has also been confirmed that president Alejandro Dominguez will travel to the site of the crash.

Chapecoense were due in the City to play Atletico Nacional in the final of Wednesday's Sudamericana final.

But the team were among 81 people on board when it came down on its approach to Medellin airport in Colombia and 71 are understood to have died.

Among the five reported survivors were on-loan 27-year-old defender Alan Ruschell and goalkeeper Danilo, 31.

Alan Ruschel, first survivor in Colombia plane crash
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Chapecoense's Alan Ruschel was rushed to hospital and is one of just five reported survivorsCredit: EPA
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Ruschel (right) posted pictures from the aircraft before it crashedCredit: Snapchat / Alan Ruschel
Chapecoense player Alan Ruschel was the first to arrive at hospital
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Ruschel is understood to have arrived at hospital talkingCredit: EPA

Ruschel posted a number of pictures of the team just moments before the tragedy from inside the doomed aircraft.

He was rushed to hospital with lacerations and head trauma but is understood to have been conscious and speaking on arrival.

Medellin's Mayor Federico Gutierrez is hopeful there may be more survivors and told a local radio station: "It's a tragedy of huge proportions."

Chapecoense also released a statement and are waiting for further news before commenting further.

It read: "Chapecoense Football Club, through its vice-president Ivan Tozzo, reserves the right to wait for the official announcement from the Colombian air authority, in order to issue any official note about the accident.

"God be with our athletes, management, journalists and other guests who are with the delegation."

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