For the first time in history, the FIFA Football World Cup – probably the most important event in sport after the Olympic Games – will be held on three continents. Morocco and Spain will be the main venues, but there will also be a tour of South America in order to commemorate the 100 years of the first World Cup (Uruguay 1930). Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay will host one match each. And in that context, Conmebol made everything official after signing the execution document together with FIFA.
It was in Luque, Paraguay, within the framework of the 78th Ordinary Congress of Conmebol, in the presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, that the three countries involved signed the document that officially assigns a match to each South American country involved. That is, in Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay the kickoff for the subsequent World Cup will take place.
“For the first time in history, in a hundred years, a World Cup is going to be held on three continents, we are going to do it together with Europe and Africa, and this is the great example that we can give to the world,” commented Alejandro Domínguez, president of Conmebol. “A way was found for football to once again show the way that we have more similarities than differences, that we may be in Europe, Africa or South America, but we all like football and this is what excites us and unites us.” “added the Paraguayan manager.
The signing was attended by the presidents of Uruguay, Luis Lacalle Pou; and from Paraguay, Santiago Peña, in addition to the aforementioned FIFA boss. “South America is connected by this passion for soccer that is unique, it breathes differently, it is lived in a particular way,” said Infantino. “We will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the World Cup here, where it all began, the legendary Centenario Stadium,” added the soccer president.
INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE AND NEW HEADQUARTERS
The signing of the act of realization, however, was not the only thing discussed at the Conmebol Congress. In addition, it was agreed to invest 120 million dollars in infrastructure to enhance the member associations, that is, each one will have 12 million dollars to enhance and improve the venues in each country.
On the other hand, in terms of purely sporting matters, there were also new developments, as the venues for the upcoming finals of the Copa Sudamericana were confirmed. The capital of Paraguay, Asunción, will host the definition in 2024, while in 2025 the champion will be decided on Bolivian soil, in the city of Santa Cruz.
