Asunción -
The president of Conmebol, Alejandro Dominguez, launched a campaign on Monday to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19 in the ten South American member countries, a solidarity chain in which he called on legends like Diego Maradona and active players like Brazilian Dani Alves to participate.
The initiative "Together for South America", in which the Red Cross participates, aims to raise funds through an auction of symbolic football objects, such as replicas of trophies and clothing from stars of the continent, and to which Dominguez referred to as "the largest solidarity action in the region".
The contribution of Conmebol will be an exact replica of the Copa Libertadores, which according to Dominguez is the "main icon of our tournaments and the most desired and recognized trophy worldwide".
Would you like to have the Libertadores at home? The match for South America has already started and I challenge Diego Maradona, Dani Alves, and Roque Santa Cruz to be part of #JuntosPorSudamérica
With your help and that of the 10 National Red Cross Societies, we will win #EstePartidoLoJugamosTodos
"We are going to raffle objects that were part of the great history of South American football. Symbols and unique, historical elements that any fan would want to have," Dominguez announced in the launch video.
In that sense, Dominguez nominated Maradona, Alves, and the Paraguayan football icon Roque Santa Cruz to be the first athletes to make donations and then "challenge" new participants.
"We want this challenge to become an endless solidarity chain. That's why today I challenge my next friends to donate a piece of their own history, Diego Maradona, Dani Alves, and Roque Santa Cruz," said Dominguez.
- Conmebol will find it 'impossible' to extend the restart date of the Libertadores
Dominguez pointed out that "the intention is to raise funds for the most needy people on the continent in the context of the crisis generated by the pandemic".
Last month, Conmebol announced the return of the Copa Libertadores for September 15, which was suspended due to the expansion of the pandemic, along with the Sudamericana, which will resume on October 27. (D)