Letter from the President of CONMEBOL

Saturday, November 24, will remember the history of world football for all the wrong reasons. It was supposed to be a CONMEBOL Libertadores final for memory, the latest in round-trip format. In the end, it was a day that should fill us with sorrow and shame; something that must provoke deep reflection and serious self-criticism in all areas, not only of football, but of society.

Despite the previous agreement of fair play signed by the presidents of both clubs. The finalists and all the alerts sent by CONMEBOL to security officials, the stadium and its surroundings have been the scene of irrational and seemingly unpunished violence against players, the public, children and families come peacefully, according to authorities, neighbors. The vandalism events were painful. The barbarism that has taken hold of our football has put many lives in danger.

As president of CONMEBOL, I put all my efforts into ensuring the integrity of everyone: players to the public who waited patiently for painful trials to be resolved. circumstances beyond the show and the responsibility of CONMEBOL. I called the authorities of both clubs, we waited for the medical reports, we examined the institutional protocols and, finally, according to the two presidents, I made the decisions for the good of all.

In the name of CONMEBOL, it is also my duty to hold accountable to security officials 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 the leaders of River Plate and Boca Juniors to understand that they have in their hands much more than the defense of 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 goes for the media, to whom I demand respect, equanimity and perspective. Coverage to properly inform the public, tell the facts, combat misinformation and unmask 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, the game is played respecting its rival, fair play as a vision on the field, in the stands, in the leadership.

Finally, I call all actors of South American football to set itself as a priority and unanimously. efforts to identify, understand and combat the causes and acts of violence that stain our football. There is much more at stake than a sports title. Either all players in South American football join forces to end the violence, or violence will be responsible for the end of South American football.