Sixteen Vasco da Gama players have tested positive for the coronavirus amid ongoing debate about whether football should return in Brazil.

Vasco said the infected players were asymptomatic and are now isolated under medical supervision. The identities of the players were not disclosed.

"They will be given medical attention and will continue to undergo regular tests until we're sure that they can no longer pass on the virus to others," Vasco team doctor Marcos Teixeira said.

The results came after the Rio de Janeiro club tested around 350 people, including players, staff and their family members.

Vasco and cross-city rivals Flamengo have spearheaded efforts to restart football in Brazil, which has been suspended since mid-March.

Rio's state government has allowed clubs to resume training under strict protocols and competition is expected to recommence in July.

However Botafogo and Fluminense - the other half of Rio's so-called big four - have opposed the move, citing Brazil's rising number of COVID-19 deaths.

Brazil has the second highest number of coronavirus infections worldwide behind the United States with more than 500,000 confirmed cases and almost 30,000 deaths. 

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