The president of Conmebol assures that South American football can face the pandemic with confidence
The president of Conmebol, Alejandro Domínguez, assured this Thursday during the 72nd Congress of Conmebol, that with the house in order and solid finances, South American football can face the coronavirus pandemic with confidence.
"With the house in order and solid finances, we can face these exceptional circumstances with confidence and the necessary capacity to respond, both financially and institutionally," said Domínguez during the teleconference event.
The Paraguayan leader described the health situation that paralyzed world football as critical, and expressed in a message "that when the ball starts rolling again, we can give each other a goal hug".
"The situation is critical and we must not underestimate it. For now, it is a battle that we must fight locally. We must stay home. This crisis also places us in a solid position," highlighted the leader.
In that sense, this same week, Conmebol made available up to 65 million dollars for the clubs participating in its tournaments to have an advance of up to 60% of their rights.
He said that the leadership must take care of football in this emergency, for the sources of employment it generates "not only for the players, but for everything around it".
"We must be responsible in making decisions that protect football and minimize as much as possible the social and economic impact of this situation," he emphasized.
The meeting took place with the participation of the presidents of the 10 South American associations and the presidents of the other four confederations (Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America), plus FIFA President Gianni Infantino, among others.
Domínguez said that all necessary precautions have been taken so that when football returns to the field, "we are all there to enjoy it as it should be: all together!" He emphasized in a message that had already been published days ago on the institution's social networks.
"There is no rush to play football ⚽— because when we return to play, we want to see everyone healthy on the field. Play at home, #StayAtHome."
— CONMEBOL.com (@CONMEBOL) March 24, 2020
The President of Conmebol showcased in a video his last four years of management, highlighting the 211,000,000 dollars that were distributed to clubs in 2019, plus the increase compared to 2018, particularly for the champions of the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana.
He reiterated that the world is facing "an unprecedented situation, a global pandemic that affects health and economies, and even the passion with which football is lived." "Safeguarding health is the priority," he emphasized.
Finally, Domínguez highlighted the agreement signed by Conmebol with UEFA "in pursuit of an international projection of South American football."
UEFA and Conmebol signed an agreement protocol last February, sealing the cooperation between both instances, European and South American football, in various aspects, from refereeing to coach training. (D)