March 19 – Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez has apologised for saying that the Copa Libertadores with out Brazilian groups can be like “Tarzan with out Cheetah” after a membership official had instructed groups might withdraw because of racism.
Palmeiras president Leila Pereira mentioned Brazilian golf equipment ought to contemplate pulling out of South American competitions because of the lack of sturdy sanctions in opposition to racism following an incident involving one of many group’s Beneath-20 gamers.
Cheetah was a chimpanzee character within the Tarzan movies and tv collection.
Requested by journalists if he might think about a Libertadores with out Brazilian groups following Monday’s draw for South America’s showpiece competitors, Dominguez replied: “That might be like Tarzan with out Cheetah, unattainable.”
Later, he posted on X: “I wish to apologise. The expression I used is a well-liked phrase and I by no means meant to belittle or disqualify anybody.”
“The Conmebol Libertadores is unthinkable with out the participation of golf equipment from the ten member international locations… I reaffirm my dedication to proceed working for a fairer, extra united and discrimination-free soccer.”
Dominguez’s feedback sparked a backlash, nonetheless, with Brazilian authorities strongly condemning them and criticising Conmebol for its failure to implement efficient anti-racism measures.
“The Brazilian authorities repudiates within the strongest phrases the statements made by the president of Conmebol Alejandro Dominguez,” a Ministry of Overseas Affairs assertion learn.
“The statements happen in a context through which Conmebol authorities have repeatedly did not undertake efficient measures to stop and keep away from the repetition of acts of racism in matches organised by them.”
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