December 12 – The South American confederation, Conmebol, is stepping up its campaign to host the 2030 World Cup despite a likely counter-bid from Europe.
Conmebol president Alejandro Domínguez was reported as saying the joint bid by Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile “is very solid” and urged FIFA to take “responsibility” by handing the centenary of the tournament – first staged in Uruguay – to the region.
“There will always be an opportunity for other countries,” he said at an event on the sidelines of the World Cup. “One hundred years comes only once and that time it has to be in South America.”
Dominguez urged FIFA not to focus solely on potential commercial revenue and to think about the legacy left by the likes of the ailing Pele and the late Diego Maradona.
“Football is not just about money. It shouldn’t be a competition to see who puts the most money into a World Cup. We must also recognise those who have made this celebration (of football) possible.”
He also left the door open for the United States to host the Copa América in 2024, while denying having received a proposal from Bolivia.
“Until today, it is speculation. If it happens, we are in constant conversation and today we do not have anything signed yet.
“There is no proposal from Bolivia to host. The day there is, the proposal would be studied.”
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