Soccer-Copa America semi-final venue switched from Caracas

CARACAS, June 25 (Reuters) - The venue of one of the Copa America semi-finals has been switched little more than two weeks before the match is due to be played.

The first semi-final, due to take place in Caracas on July 10, will now be played in Maracaibo the same day, the South American Football Confederation (CSF) said in a statement.

The second semi will take place in Puerto Ordaz on July 11.

"The confederation's decision was based on the need to meet security regulations," said the CSF on its Web site.

As a result, the Venezuelan capital will host only one match in the tournament -- the third-place play-off. The decision comes as Venezuela, which is staging the 12-team event for the first time, races to put the finishing touches to its stadiums.

The country has ambitiously spread the tournament around nine venue cities.

The Copa kicks off on Tuesday with Uruguay playing Peru in Merida followed by Venezuela against Bolivia in San Cristobal.