It is a convenient but viscous relationship, sometimes rough, with reproaches, that sometimes South Americans fail to understand. We're talking about the integration of Mexican soccer into Conmebol tournaments. A union that began in the Ecuador '93 Copa America and then extended to club tournaments. It seemed beneficial for both: Mexican footballers grew sportingly in their encounters with ours, and South America benefited from the entry of a powerful, immense market of 130 million people, plus another 40 million residing in the United States, all very fond of football. This strengthened the value of the television rights for the Libertadores and attracted sponsorships. Even ticket sales improved, as Mexico has a dozen well-known clubs like America, Chivas, Cruz Azul, Tigres, Monterrey, Pumas, Toluca, Pachuca, Necaxa, León... It lasted 24 years. After the 2016 Libertadores, they announced that they would no longer play South American cups because, among other things, they could not reconcile them with their local league's schedule.
"But five minutes after leaving, they were already talking about coming back," says Marcelo Assaf, an Argentine journalist who has been living in the land of 'Chavo' for two decades. "Mexican fans love the Libertadores, that their teams compete in that environment, especially against Argentinians and Brazilians," Marcelo adds. "They like to complain, to protest that they are harmed in South America, but they love it," he concludes.
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The news emerged last Monday: Enrique Bonilla, outgoing Executive President of the Mexican League, will now seek, as Director of International Affairs, the return of Mexico to South American competitions. "I will seek to accelerate the conversations with Alejandro Domínguez, president of Conmebol, so that our clubs compete in the Libertadores and Sudamericana Cups," he officially announced. There is no estimated date of return, it could be 2022 or 2023, but if Bonilla made such a statement, it is because he is optimistic about his management.
What do the fans in our region say? We conducted a survey on our Twitter account with the question "Do you want Mexican clubs to return?" The slogans were two: 1) "Yes, they enrich the cups" and 2) "No, they were already there and left on their own." Although the result is not definitive, the motion of the return won by 52.8% to 47.2%. It is a topic that interests the fans vividly, they have voiced their opinions in quantity and with varied positions. "Welcome, Mexican clubs give prestige to the Libertadores. They make the tournament more beautiful. Even the MLS teams could enter," says Óscar Balbuena from Peru. "No, let them stay with their Concachampions," says Falquian in opposition.
Final result of the survey on the possible return of Mexican clubs to South American cups. Very even, but overall fans approve. pic.twitter.com/hhXzweVPYZ
— Jorge Barraza (@JorgeBarrazaOK) December 9, 2020
"It can't be more complicated than it already is. Currently, the Libertadores is an ocean full of Argentine and Brazilian sharks. Mexicans would be calm dolphins," illustrates Andrés Yeroví. "The trips are very long for our clubs, but in terms of level, it would be a good addition," says Miguel M.M. "A Libertadores final at the Azteca would be fabulous. Also a Copa America in Mexico," dreams Manuel Intriago. "What great news it would be if they came back! Mexican teams are very competitive, and seeing the Mexican National Team participate in the Copa America would be extraordinary. I prefer it over Qatar and Australia," says Julián Moreno.
"I hope it becomes a reality because it is a type of contact that Mexican players need, it makes you grow individually and as a team to face that type of clubs," says Fernando Quirarte, former defender of Chivas de Guadalajara and the Mexican National Team, now a panelist on Fox Sports. "It would be excellent if it could solve the issue of schedules, the economics, and return in terms of clubs and also the Copa América."
Our opinion: from the moment Mexico asks to rejoin our tournaments, it is admitting the prestige of the Libertadores and the Sudamericana. At the same time, these competitions are enriched by the incorporation of a football with enormous tradition and popular support, and strong economically. It is mutual benefit. Of course, provided that Mexico is not assigned more slots than the countries in our region, and their return does not mean taking away places from anyone. In any case, the number of competitors would increase (currently 47). And re-entry should result in improved rewards. Especially for those who have to travel north. They should be provided with charter flights. It should also be required, by agreement, that they remain a minimum of ten years and not withdraw due to occasional tantrums.
Let it be clear: the Libertadores has been an extraordinary success almost since its inception in 1960, it continued to be so with the Mexican teams and even after they left. Their return should be approved by the ten Conmebol federations. Because there is no doubt that the presence of the Mexicans will make it more difficult for many to access the decisive stages. If it is already very difficult for certain countries, imagine if America, Cruz Azul, Tigres, Pachuca... are added. Mexican clubs have very high budgets, and the sporting possibilities will decrease for many. (O)