Conmebol President Demands Return of Stolen Football Funds Amid Money Laundering Allegations

Conmebol President Alejandro Domínguez has issued a renewed call for the return of stolen funds from South American football. Speaking at the inauguration of Football Week, a joint initiative with Special Olympics, Domínguez emphasized that the money should be used for the development of the sport rather than enriching leaders.

The investigation into alleged money laundering in Paraguay, which has been stalled for three years, is at the heart of Domínguez's demand. Conmebol has already recovered approximately $150 million through actions in the United States, Switzerland, and Paraguay. However, Domínguez insists that more needs to be done to bring justice and recover additional funds.

The Confederation has requested the Prosecutor's Office to reactivate the criminal case involving former Conmebol President Nicolás Leoz and Banco Atlas SA. In 2016, despite an international arrest warrant and extradition request, Leoz negotiated the creation of two trusts worth over $6 million with Banco Atlas SA.

"It is money that should be on the football field, in the development of sport, not in the pockets of the leaders, of the powerful," Domínguez stated. He further added, "We are not going to stop until justice is done, we will confront the powerful who still have football money."

Why this matters: The return of stolen funds to South American football has significant implications for the sport's governance and integrity. If successful, it could lead to a cleaner and more transparent administration of the sport, restoring trust among fans and promoting fair play.

The complaint was initially filed in 2017 under the government of Horacio Cartes and has since seen little progress despite changes in Paraguay's presidency and attorney generals. Conmebol has been working diligently to recover funds appropriated by leaders with the complicity of financial institutions.

Football Week, the event where Domínguez made his statements, is a joint initiative of Conmebol and Special Olympics, promoting an inclusive vision of football. The recovered money is being used for the expansion of positive values in sport.

The event was attended by Paraguayan President Santiago Peña and members of his cabinet, underscoring the high-level support for Conmebol's efforts. Domínguez has also sought a personal interview with State Attorney General Emiliano Rolón Fernández to push for the reactivation of the criminal case.

Conmebol's efforts to recover stolen funds are part of a broader push to cleanse South American football of corruption. The Confederation has already achieved significant successes, including the restitution of millions of dollars and the indictment of former officials involved in the FIFA scandal.

Domínguez's commitment to seeing justice served and funds returned to their rightful place in sport development is clear. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring that football money benefits the sport and its community, not the pockets of corrupt leaders.

Key Takeaways

• Conmebol President Alejandro Domínguez demands return of stolen funds from South American football.
• $150 million recovered so far, but more needs to be done to bring justice and recover additional funds.
• Case involves former Conmebol President Nicolás Leoz and Banco Atlas SA, with $6 million in trusts.
• Return of stolen funds crucial for sport's governance and integrity, promoting fair play and transparency.
• Conmebol working to recover funds, with high-level support from Paraguayan government and Attorney General.