Conmebol Pushes Back Against Brazil FA, Highlights Past Anti-Racism Discrepancies

Tension between CONMEBOL and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) escalated following the Brazilian entity's criticism of the continental anti-racism policy. In a forceful statement, the governing body of South American football reaffirmed its commitment to international standards in the fight against discrimination, but also reminded that it was the CBF itself that opposed increasing sanctions for racism in football in the past.

In its response, the entity led by Alejandro Domínguez pointed out that the CBF not only endorsed the document in support of anti-racism policies with its signature but was also the one that sent it to Asunción, as reported by Infobae.

"If its authenticity is disputed, we understand that the pertinent legal measures have been initiated," the letter stated.

The conflict intensified following the metaphor used by Domínguez during the Libertadores draw (“a Cup without Brazilians would be like Tarzan without Cheetah”) which, although a colloquial expression in Paraguay, was considered offensive in Brazil. Although the CONMEBOL president issued a public apology, an association of Afro-Brazilian jurists has already requested a formal sanction against him from FIFA.

In this climate, the South American confederation doubled down on its anti-racism rhetoric and announced future meetings with state authorities and member federations to define more effective sanctions.

• Read more: Alejandro Domínguez apologizes after controversial statement about Brazilian teams