"No more surprises. We won't let them put us on the defensive. We don't lose the offensive impulse."

Chavez read a column published in the pro-government VEA newspaper, stating that radical groups "are looking for the transportation sector to call a national strike ... and have the protests coincide with the Copa America to create national and international commotion."

The Copa America this year will include teams from the United States and Mexico as invited guests.

The Venezuelan leader did not elaborate on the alleged plans or what groups might be involved, but pointed to "conspirators" purportedly behind recent student protests.

University students who have led the recent protests, most of them against a government decision that forced an opposition TV station off the air, deny they plan to disrupt the Copa America.

Peaceful demonstration

But students have not ruled out the possibility of peaceful demonstrations during the South American nations championship.

Chavez has derided student protesters as U.S. "pawns", saying they do Washington's bidding by taking to the streets.

Students reject the allegations as totally unfounded, arguing they have taken it upon themselves to protest government efforts aimed at muzzling the opposition.

Venezuela's government has spent at least $1 billion to construct two new stadiums, remodel seven others, and renovate airports and surrounding areas for the Copa America.

Tens of thousands of football fans are expected to travel to Venezuela for the tournament.

Chavez told his audience the tournament would be "a historic event", but lamented he would miss the inauguration due to an upcoming foreign tour.

"The teams are starting to arrive, there's happiness," he said.

"Venezuelans, the people, the local governments, are working hard to
decorate the cities and finish the stadiums."