RIO DE JANEIRO, April 13 -- Brazil's major football competitions are unlikely to restart in the near future, a top official said on Monday.

The sport has been in recess in South America's largest country since mid-March to combat the spread of COVID-19.

"Is it possible to come back in May? I would say there is hope but we can't say it's an expectation," said Walter Feldman, the general secretary of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

"I don't think we can resume playing until health authorities give their approval. Their recommendation will be decisive in any decision."

Feldman said the CBF had not considered the possibility of shortening the Brazilian Serie A season, which is due to run from May to December.

Brazil has had 23,430 confirmed coronavirus cases, of which 1,328 have been fatal, the health ministry said on Monday night.

【体坛英语资讯：No end in sight for Brazilian football recess】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Liu begins training in isolation

★ 体坛英语资讯：Hurdler Liu to skip Golden League for Games

★ 体坛英语资讯：Nadal the latest upset at Masters Cup

★ 体坛英语资讯：Alonso and Hamilton wait on FIA hearings

★ 体坛资讯：Dujkovic wants to lead China to 2010 World Cup

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Parker is no fashionista

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Longoria, Parker deny claims of affair

★ 体坛英语资讯：China achieves best results on track and field

★ 体坛英语资讯：Sprinter Gay, swimmer Hoff win top US honours

★ 体坛英语资讯：China Open: Gonzalez hard tested, host players out