Domínguez: "Football is not won with stones, players win on the field"

Before Tuesday's meeting in Paraguay with the presidents of Boca and River, Conmebol boss Alejandro Domínguez wrote a letter in which he repudiated the events of last Saturday: is not won with stones or aggression it is won by the players on the field. "

In addition, he called on Rodolfo D'Onofrio and Daniel Angelici, along with their respective colleagues, to "understand that the responsibility that they have in their hands goes far beyond simply defending their colors and interests of their partners ". "First and foremost, they have a responsibility to South American football, which is often downgraded and criticized in our countries, but appreciated in the rest of the world," he said.

The complete letter:

"On Saturday, November 24, we will remember the history of world football for all the wrong reasons, it was supposed to be a final of CONMEBOL Libertadores for the memory, the last in round format." In the end, it was finally a day must fill us with sadness and shame for all, which should cause deep reflection and serious self-criticism in all clbades, not just football, but society.

Despite the prior agreement of fair play signed by the presidents of the two finalists clubs and all the warnings sent by CONMEBOL to security officials, the stadium and its surroundings have been the scene of irrational violence. and seemingly unpunished towards the players, the public, the children and the families who came peacefully, the authorities, the neighbors. The vandalism events were painful. The barbarism that has taken hold of our football has endangered many lives.

As President of CONMEBOL, I do everything in my power to ensure the integrity of everyone: players to the public who wait patiently for the painful circumstances outside the show and the responsibility of CONMEBOL are resolved. I called the authorities of both clubs, we waited for the medical reports, we examined the institutional protocols and, finally, in agreement with the two presidents, I made the decisions for the sake of all the persons concerned.

On behalf of CONMEBOL, it is also my responsibility to hold those responsible for ensuring the safety of the event and public order. It is clear that the protocols failed and that the authorities did not live up to the circumstances. Now, it remains to act immediately to identify, capture and apply the rigor of justice to those who have caused so much damage.

I also call on leaders of River Plate and Boca Juniors to understand that the responsibility they have in their hands goes far beyond simply defending their colors and the interests of their partners. First and foremost, they have a responsibility towards South American football, often devalued and criticized in our countries, but appreciated in the rest of the world.

The same is true for the media, to whom I demand respect, equanimity and perspective to inform the public properly, report the facts, combat misinformation and unmask self-interested visions and misperceptions.

In the CONMEBOL that I preside, football is not won with stones or aggression. It is won by the players on the field. And more in South America with the quality of our players. In the CONMEBOL that I chair, we play by respecting the rival, by making fair play a vision on the ground, in the forums, in the governing bodies.

Finally, I appeal to all players in South American football to prioritize and join forces to identify, understand and combat the causes and acts of violence that tarnish our lives. soccer. There is much more at stake than a sports title. Either all players in South American football come together to end the violence, or violence will be responsible for ending South American football. "