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For the first time in a story that began in 1960, Copa Libertadores will be decided outside the United States. After the attack of River Plate supporters against the bus that led Boca Juniors to the decisive match, Conmebol decided to lead the finalissima to Madrid. On the eve of the match, the president of Conmebol, Alejandro Domínguez, received the GloboEsporte.com for an interview in which he explains his reasons, says that there is no different treatment of Brazilian clubs and that the departure to Madrid is an exceptional situation that will not be repeated. Check below:
Why are we in Madrid?
In case of emergency. Conmebol had to find a neutral ground. This is an exceptional case, and exceptional cases require exceptional solutions. We do not plan to repeat this situation.
Mine, private. I called my friend Florentino Perez to ask him if the idea was viable or if it was the case. Florentino asked me for two minutes, then reminded me, told me that it was a good idea and offered Bernabeu to put Conmebol for free at the service of the organization. Match.
With which other cities did you negotiate to receive this final?
Negotiations, no. But there are other cities that have volunteered, which I want to thank.
There were offers from Brazil, Paraguay, the United States, Italy, the Middle East.
Do you consider an offer from Brazil?
Yes, of course. But we still think that Madrid was the ideal place, because it is the country that concentrates the most Argentinians outside of Argentina, which has an airport offering more flights to South America, is the tenth safest city in the world. that we were looking for.
Are you sure that there will be no scenes of violence in the game in Madrid?
We are certain that River and Boca will be able to play in a stadium prepared for this type of match. The city is safe and we are also confident that everyone will do their part, everyone will understand that he has responsibilities.
All the news of this final is based on violence, deported supporters, a record number of police officers. Is it a nuisance that speaks more than football?
Starting tomorrow (Sunday), we will only talk about football. Before the games you have to get information and unfortunately we have to live with this stuff. But this is the most important football game in the world, the expectations are very high, it's something exceptional, so it's normal to talk about a record security system.
If you go back to Monumental de Núñez on November 24, what would you do differently?
For our part, we did everything Conmebol had to do. For Conmebol, it was important to play on the 24th. We planned everything. What we can not control is what escapes us, how to trust the security system. All this depends on the state, the government. For our part, we would do exactly the same thing. Because the organization worked.
Feather River Plate was a fine and two games behind closed doors. Is this a sanction compatible with the seriousness of what happened in Buenos Aires?
I can not comment on the decision of an independent and autonomous body such as the Disciplinary Tribunal. I am respectful This did not happen in Argentina. This also happened in Brazil, last year, during the final of the South American Cup (between Flamengo and Independiente). I understand that the problem does not concern only Argentina. We have already seen it in Brazil and it is likely that it exists in the other eight countries . But we must start with actions. And punishing clubs for the behavior of their supporters may result in their supporters being more responsible.
Are you sure that will not happen again? Draw an important match from South America and bring it to Europe?
The matches will always be played. As long as I'm president, the games will be played. Wherever there are conditions to comply with the regulations and if all conditions are met to host the show, we are committed to doing so now.
We never organize (a tournament) according to what can happen in the courts.
Our job is to organize football. Sports justice goes in a separate way. I am convinced that tomorrow we will play, that someone will win and bring back the Libertadores to the house. I do not doubt it.
 / s.glbimg.com/en/conseil_conservateur_de_serveur riv-boj_I9yw7Dq.jpg "Affrontements entre les supporters de River Plate et la police le 24 novembre - Photo: REUTERS / Alberto Raggio")
Confrontation between riotous rebellions and police on November 24 – Photo: REUTERS / Alberto Raggio
In Brazil, we have the feeling that Brazilian clubs are undermined in the Libertadores. What does the president of Conmebol think?
But last year, he won a Brazilian club and I'm sure that sensation did not happen. It's very common: when you win, everyone feels good. When you lose, you have to find excuses. It's the opposite of that: I have ties of friendship with Brazil, with CBF, with the Brazilian clubs, to which I personally invited, I spoke with them, I opened the doors of Conmebol . They know that I have only one way of being, they know my commitment to football. I have no commitment with any country and no club. Only time will show the commitment I have.
South American football is spotted this final in Madrid?
For the self-criticism of South America, countries, it is very good. If we want to show the world of professional football seriously, we must also begin to badume the responsibility of showing that we have conditions. There are cultures that must be eradicated. I am convinced that South American football is strengthened.
What happened in the final Libertadores that jeopardizes the candidacy of Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay to host the World Cup in 2030?
No. Violence does not only happen in liberators or in South America: everyone saw that there were also acts of violence in Europe, unfortunately. Eradicating violence is a commitment that football must take.
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