Domínguez Celebrates CONMEBOL’s 110th Anniversary with Strong Message on Football’s Integrity

CONMEBOL, the South American Football Confederation, celebrated its 110th anniversary with a significant address from its president, Alejandro Domínguez. In a heartfelt and extensive message, Domínguez outlined his core beliefs regarding the sport, emphasizing principles that he believes are crucial for its continued growth and integrity.

Key facts
| Topic | Detail |
|—|—|
| Event | CONMEBOL’s 110th Anniversary |
| Speaker | Alejandro Domínguez, CONMEBOL President |
| Key Themes | Fair play, unity, on-field decisions, player development, anti-discrimination |

A Champion for South American Football

Domínguez expressed his unwavering faith in South American football, highlighting its capacity to positively impact individuals and societies. He stressed the paramount importance of teamwork, the adherence to regulations for fair play, and the power of unity and principles in driving the sport forward.

“I believe in South American football, in its values and in its power to transform people and societies,” Domínguez stated. “I believe in everything football teaches us, especially that teamwork is above individuals.”

Focus on Player and Coach Development

A significant portion of Domínguez’s message was dedicated to the players and coaches of South America. He emphasized the obligation to provide them with the necessary infrastructure and opportunities to nurture their talents. He also acknowledged the ambition of South American coaches, describing them as having a “hunger for glory.”

The confederation president also voiced his belief in the dedication of South American referees, commending their efforts to achieve excellence. He expressed confidence in the current leadership’s strategic vision and capacity for effective work.

Decisions Belong on the Pitch

A central tenet of Domínguez’s message was the conviction that sporting results should be determined by actions on the field, not by decisions made “at desks.” This strong stance underscores a commitment to the purity of competition and a rejection of external influences that could compromise the integrity of matches.

“I believe that sporting results should be decided on the pitch, not at desks,” he declared. He also advocated for healthy sporting rivalry, where adversaries on the field are never enemies off it, and that victory should go to the team that wants it the most.

Combating Violence and Discrimination

Domínguez also addressed the persistent issues of violence, racism, and discrimination within football. He pledged a relentless fight against these negative elements, asserting that intolerance and racism have no place in the sport.

“I believe in fighting tirelessly against violence, racism and discrimination in football,” he said. “I believe that intolerance and racism have no place in football.”

Football as a Means, Not an End

The CONMEBOL president articulated a philosophy where money is seen as a tool to serve football, rather than its ultimate purpose. The primary focus, he argued, should always remain on the sport itself. He also highlighted the potential for innovation and creativity to unlock new levels of achievement for South American football.

“I believe that money cannot be the final purpose of management, but only a means. The end must always be football,” Domínguez explained.

An Independent and Autonomous Sport

Domínguez called for football to remain independent and autonomous, emphasizing the need to reinvest all generated revenue back into the sport. He referred to stadiums as “sacred temples” and celebrated the “magic of the goal.”

His vision extends to all forms of football, from the traditional “potrero” (street football) to organized leagues, recognizing the sport’s universal appeal. He stressed that football belongs to everyone and celebrated the diversity of opinions while advocating for dialogue and unity.

“I believe that football does not belong to anyone, it belongs to everyone,” he stated.

A Unified Future

The message concluded with a forward-looking perspective, asserting that football knows no borders and that South American football is the best in the world. Domínguez expressed his firm belief in a future of greatness for the confederation and reinforced the idea that “the ball cannot stop.” He ended with a powerful affirmation of CONMEBOL’s commitment to its core beliefs: “I am convinced that one cannot live without believing in something, that’s why CONMEBOL believes in big things.”

This anniversary message serves as a reaffirmation of CONMEBOL’s core values and its commitment to promoting a fair, inclusive, and dynamic future for football in South America.

Source: https://www.ole.com.ar/futbol-internacional/america/alejandro-dominguez-conmebol-mensaje-110-anos_0_MqR13yYgS7.html

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