Letter from the President of CONMEBOL

Saturday, November 24, we 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 just of football, but of society.

Despite the prior agreement of fair play signed by the presidents of the two finalist clubs and all the warnings 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 who approached peacefully, authorities, 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 are coming together to end the violence, or violence will be responsible for the end of South American football.