Brazil condemns Conmebol president’s statements
The Brazilian government on Tuesday (Mar. 18) issued a statement condemning remarks by Alejandro Domínguez, president of the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol), who compared a Libertadores Cup without Brazilian teams to “Tarzan without Cheeta.”
“The Brazilian government strongly condemns the statements made by the President of the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol), Alejandro Domínguez, on the night of March 17, during a press conference following the draw for the group stage of tournaments organized by the entity. These remarks come amid Conmebol’s repeated failure to implement effective measures to prevent and address acts of racism in its competitions, including actions to combat impunity and hold those responsible accountable,” reads the statement signed by the Ministry of Sport, the Ministry of Racial Equality, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The statement goes on to urge Conmebol and South America’s National Football Federations “to act decisively to curb and repress acts of racism, discrimination, and intolerance, promote racial equality policies, and share knowledge and good practices to increase access to sport for people of African descent, immigrants, and other vulnerable groups.” It also reaffirms that “the Brazilian government reiterates its commitment to initiatives to combat racism and promote racial equality, including measures against any kind of discrimination in the different sports disciplines.”
Apology
After the Copa Libertadores group draw on Monday night (17) at Conmebol’s headquarters in Paraguay, Domínguez was asked by a journalist whether he could envision a Libertadores without Brazilian teams.
“It would be like Tarzan without Cheeta—impossible,” he replied with a laugh.
Earlier, Domínguez had stated in a speech to the event’s invited audience that racism was a scourge affecting football and that his organization would continue to enforce sanctions so that “every racist expression has a real consequence.”
“I want to express my apologies. The phrase I used is a popular expression, and I never intended to belittle or disrespect anyone,” Domínguez said on Tuesday via the social network X.
“The Conmebol Libertadores is unthinkable without the participation of clubs from all 10 member countries [...]. I reaffirm my commitment to working towards a fairer, more united football, free from discrimination,” he added.
*Based on information from Reuters.
