By Samindra Kunti in Paris
June 4 – Alejandro Dominguez (pictured) reinforced his allegiance with Gianni Infantino FIFA Congress with Conmebol pledging to support the FIFA president’s re-election by acclamation.
The Paraguayan has been a long time ally of Infantino and at his confederation’s extraordinary congress in which modifications to the Conmebol’s statutes were approved, he unsurprisingly came out in support of the FIFA boss.
“I think the numbers speak for themselves: the fact that FIFA’s revenues have reached a record level in the history of world football, up to $6,425 million, well above what was expected at the start of the new administration, speaks of confidence,” said Dominguez.
In 2016 Dominguez became the boss of South American football and was quick to align himself with Infantino, making headlines when he formally tabled a proposal to expand the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to 48 teams. Ultimately, FIFA and Infantino had to shelve that proposal, but the ties between the world federation and Dominguez remain strong. In a courtesy visit Infantino addressed the Conmebol representatives, expressing his trust in the South American confederation.
The South Americans, however, have an unenviable reputation in world football and in its statutes Conmebol replaced the criterion of ‘suitability’ for its leaders with ‘integrity.’ The new statute is intended to allow for greater scrutiny of senior Conmebol personnel. The South American governing body has also instated integrity checks for its leaders.
Conmebol also indicated that Australia will be invited alongside Qatar for the 2020 Copa America, which is set to be played in an expanded format in Colombia and Argentina. This summer Brazil will stage the continental tournament with Qatar and Japan as invitees. CBF president Rogerio Caboclo affirmed that Neymar, the host’s talisman, will participate in the Copa America.
“There is no chance of him not taking part in the Copa America,” said Caboclo. “We are following the matter closely and we have complete confidence in Neymar, we know what kind of man he is and what of a sportsman he is.”
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1734909168labto1734909168ofdlr1734909168owedi1734909168sni@o1734909168fni1734909168