An image split into two parts: on the left, the CONMEBOL logo with the text "Football since 1916" on a blue background; on the right, a person in a white and green soccer jersey making a hand gesture.
ARGENTINA

Palmeiras' president proposed disaffiliating Brazil from Conmebol due to racism.

The leader pointed at the confederation for the sanction against Cerro Porteño in the U-20 Libertadores for racism.

Leila Pereira, president of Palmeiras, didn't hide her anger and dissatisfaction with the sanction imposed on Cerro Porteño after the "incident" of racism that affected players and fans of the Brazilian team and proposed a truly unusual measure: disaffiliate Brazil from Conmebol and move to Concacaf.

The alleged issue arose in the Libertadores Sub-20 group stage match between the Paraguayan team and Verdão, when in the second half, with the match dominated 0-3 by the Brazilians, racist chants and insults began to be heard, affecting the sensitive visiting fans and players.

Two players in action during a match, one in a white and green uniform and the other in a blue and red uniform, while a goalkeeper watches from the background.
The Under-20 Libertadores match had "racism" | La Derecha Diario

For this and other offenses, Conmebol economically sanctioned the Ciclón de Barrio Obrero, specifically with 50,000 dollars for the aforementioned act of racism, something that for Palmeiras's leader was not enough and she criticized harshly in her interview with TNT Sports Brasil.

"For delays in the start of matches, there is a fine of 100 thousand dollars. For flares, it's 78 thousand dollars. So see how Conmebol treats this crime of racism. I found it shameful. So much so that we have already sent a letter to FIFA asking for their intervention," Pereira expressed. "We need to take firm measures regarding Conmebol. It is not acceptable for Brazil to receive this treatment," she added.

A smiling woman in a green blouse and light pants applauds in an outdoor setting.
The president was blunt with her opinion on the sanction | La Derecha Diario

Meanwhile, due to this issue that seems to affect only Brazil, she also proposed that the Brazilian Football Confederation disaffiliate from Conmebol and join Concacaf. "If Conmebol doesn't respect Brazilian football, we must consider joining Concacaf, which is economically beneficial for us," she stated.

This possible change would mean that Brazil would go from playing with top-level teams like Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia, to playing with less prominent teams, like the United States or Mexico, and others from Central America and the Caribbean.

Under this economic premise, she highlighted the revenue that Brazilian clubs generate for the entity: "We need to take firm measures regarding Conmebol. It is not acceptable for Brazil, which represents 60% of their revenue, to be treated this way. I propose a reflection for everyone."

Besides the Palmeiras leader, many players came out to condemn the events, including Vinícius Jr., who is always affected by the alleged racism and is very involved in these controversies. The Real Madrid player especially showed solidarity with Luighi and sent him a message on social media: "Congratulations on your stance, brother. It's sad, but stay strong. We are together in this fight. How long, Conmebol? You never do anything. Never!!"

A player celebrates in front of the stands while the crowd watches, with a message in Portuguese over the image.
Vinícius's message to Luighi | La Derecha Diario

With the weight that Brazil has and considering the few options that Conmebol has, the South American entity will surely end up eventually yielding to the demands of the Brazilian teams and fans, something that will gradually make it lose part of the characteristic essence of football on this side of the world.

➡️ Argentina

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