March 21 – The governance of South American football is under renewed pressure as Conmebol President Alejandro Domínguez faces a formal legal complaint in Brazil, deepening tensions with the continent’s largest footballing power over his handling – and apparent trivialisation – of racism in the game.
Federal Deputy Érika Hilton has reported Domínguez to Brazil’s Federal Justice system and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accusing him of racism and calling for him to be declared ‘persona non grata’ in Brazil.
The move follows Domínguez’s offhand remark that the Copa Libertadores without Brazilian clubs would be like ‘Tarzan without Cheetah’ — a quip that sparked outrage, especially as it came minutes after he publicly pledged action on racism during the tournament’s 2025 group stage draw.
The political firestorm adds to growing dissatisfaction within the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), whose president Ednaldo Rodrigues has been increasingly critical of Conmebol’s response to racial abuse.
Two Palmeiras players, Luighi and Figueiredo, were subjected to racist insults during a recent U20 Libertadores match against Paraguayan club Cerro Porteño. Conmebol’s punishment – a $50,000 fine and games behind closed doors – was slammed by Ednaldo as “ineffective and insufficient”, particularly after match officials failed to implement FIFA’s anti-racism protocols during the game.
In a letter to Domínguez, Ednaldo dissociated the CBF from previous joint statements of support for Conmebol, arguing that the confederation’s actions fall far short of standards seen in other major leagues and federations. The CBF has even called for Cerro Porteño’s disqualification and accused Conmebol of systemic failure in combating racism, further inflaming a crisis that has now caught the attention of the Brazilian government.
Palmeiras president Leila Pereira took the opportunity to publicly float the possibility of Brazilian clubs boycotting Conmebol competitions if stronger sanctions aren’t introduced – a threat that could have serious commercial ramifications for the Libertadores and related broadcasting deals.
Now under significant pressure, Conmebol has hastily scheduled a summit for March 27, inviting all ten member associations and government officials to address racism and violence in football. But Domínguez’s ‘Tarzan without Cheetah’ analogy – which sought to underline Brazilian football’s value but instead sparked condemnation – has only reinforced perceptions that Conmebol lacks both the seriousness and strategy to confront racism effectively.
With legal complaints, diplomatic rebukes, and threats of a Brazilian exodus from continental competition, the political and financial fallout is no longer hypothetical. Domínguez may have wanted to play to the crowd – instead, he’s now playing defence on multiple fronts.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1742570694labto1742570694ofdlr1742570694owedi1742570694sni@g1742570694niwe.1742570694yrrah1742570694