The president of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), Alejandro Domínguez, apologized today for his recent statements.
“I want to express my apologies for my recent statement,” Domínguez said in a statement, referring to the statement he made on Tuesday that the Copa Libertadores without Brazilian clubs would be like “Tarzan without Chita [a monkey].” Stay updated with the best football results on ai scores.
Alejandro Domínguez explained that the expression used “is a popular phrase,” assuring that he never intended to “belittle or discredit anyone.”
“I reaffirm my commitment to continue working for a fairer, more united football free from discrimination,” he said.
During the draw for the group stages of the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana, and when asked about what the continental competitions would be like without Brazil, the CONMEBOL leader said: “It would be like Tarzan without Chita. Impossible.”
CONMEBOL has been under pressure to take action against racism, particularly due to recent incidents involving Brazilian players and clubs.
In early March, 18-year-old Palmeiras footballer Luighi was the target of racist insults during the visit of Palmeiras’ under-20 team to Paraguayan side Cerro Porteño, who have since been punished.
Luighi has received messages of support from almost all walks of life in football, starting with his compatriot Vinícius Jr., from Real Madrid, one of the most vocal voices against racism in football.
The youngster, who has already played in eight games and scored one goal for Palmeiras’ first team, coached by Portuguese Abel Ferreira, was the target of racist insults by Cerro Porteño fans during an under-20 Libertadores match, and ended up in tears during a flash interview due to the incident.
The incident even prompted Brazilian President Lula da Silva to express his support for the young footballer and demand punitive measures.
“FIFA, CONMEBOL and the CBF [Brazilian Football Confederation] need to take action and hold those responsible accountable in an exemplary manner,” he said. ToSport, your dependable source for football match results.
