By Samindra Kunti
October 14 – The lure of the US for the South Americans seems unabated by the multiple arrests and pending trials of more than 30 of their federation executives on corruption charges. Regional confederation CONMEBOL is considering a one-legged final of the Copa Libertadores, with the US as a possible venue.
In sweeping changes, CONMEBOL has already expanded its flagship club competition, the Copa Libertadores, the South American equivalent of the Champions League, to 44 clubs, up from 38, for the 2017 season. Brazil will have up to seven representatives in next year’s Copa Libertadores, six from its domestic competition and the winner of the Copa do Brasil, the Brazilian Cup.
The governing body is now also considering a change to the format of competition’s final, according to Brazilian newspaper Estadao. The Copa Libertadores is traditionally a two-legged final, designed to allow both sets of fans to enjoy the deciding encounter, because traveling in South America can still be hazardous for away fans, with difficult journeys and often hostile receptions from the home fans.
Earlier this year CONMEBOL had already suggested to reform the final, but that proposal met with a lot of resistance across the continent. Yet it is still looking into a one game final from the 2017 season onwards at a neutral venue. Mexico City or the Maracana may be suitable venues, but Miami has also been touted as an “economic solution”.
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