The president of CONMEBOL, Alejandro Dominguez, reignited the controversy with comments that did not go unnoticed.
During the draw for the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, Dominguez expressed his frustration at the cancellation of the match that was due to be played on March 27 in Qatar.
The official said that CONMEBOL was ready to play in any scenario, hinting that the lack of agreement did not come from his confederation.
“The Finalissima did not have the ending we wanted,” he said, evidencing the discomfort over a duel that never came to fruition.
The comment about Argentina that sparked controversy
The hottest point of his statements came when he launched a phrase that generated immediate repercussions: According to him, the Argentine national team would be “two-time champion of the Finalissima”.
The claim is based on an ironic interpretation of the regulations, suggesting that, in the absence of the opponent, a criterion of administrative victory or walkover could be applied.
His words quickly ignited the debate in the international football environment.
Argentina accepted to play, but there was no final agreement
Days earlier, CONMEBOL and the AFA had expressed their intention to play the match at a neutral venue.
According to the statement, Argentina agreed to play in Italy, but asked to change the date from March 27 to 31. This proposal was not accepted, which ultimately led to the definitive cancellation of the match against Spain.
A Finalissima without a date or venue
The situation leaves the Finalissima in an organisational limbo, with no date or venue confirmed. The clash between the Copa America and European Championship winners remains an outstanding fixture on the international calendar.
Meanwhile, Dominguez’s statements reflect the tension between the parties involved, in a conflict that has escalated beyond sport.
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