The recent case of racism in the Libertadores Sub-20 has uncovered an issue that has long haunted Conmebol organized competitions. This time, though, the response was swift and forceful. Palmeiras president Leila Pereira did not remain silent. Outraged at the lenient punishment meted out to the Paraguayan side, she suggested something that would have a tremendous effect on the future of Brazilian soccer: seceding from Conmebol and joining Concacaf.
Follow Playing for 90 on X (Twitter).
First, the idea seems outrageous, but with the cycle of impunity and inaction reproduced, is it that unthinkable?
The breaking point
What happened in the Libertadores Sub-20 was not an isolated incident. Luighi, one of Palmeiras' young stars and one of the jewels of their youth division, was the victim of racist and violent acts at the hands of Cerro Porteño fans. The crime was already absurd in its cruelty, but the best was yet to come: Conmebol punished the Paraguayan team with a paltry $50,000 fine.
For Leila Pereira, the punishment wasn't just insufficient but actually has the effect of making more of this occur. Considering recent history, it's hard to argue otherwise. Conmebol tournament racism is a persistent issue, and the organization responds in the same way each time: small fines, copy-and-paste statements, and no meaningful follow-up to prevent recurrence.
"This money goes directly to Conmebol, not to the victim. It's absurd," Leila disapproved.
The scandal went viral. The players, fans, and Brazilian soccer authorities know that the problem is larger than Cerro Porteño's punishment. It is a structural issue. Conmebol, the highest governing body of South American soccer, repeatedly fails to protect its own players from racist abuse.
Should Conmebol depart and become a Concacaf member?
Leila Pereira's proposal may seem radical, but it raises a discussion that must be discussed. If Conmebol is not going to protect Brazilian clubs, why must they remain under its umbrella? Financially, might Concacaf not be a better fit for Brazilian teams? And what about the organizational side?
"If they don't treat us with respect in South America, why not change to Concacaf? It would be better financially for Brazilian clubs," Leila said.
The economic aspect is the main theme of this debate. Although Libertadores remains the most prestigious competition in South America, Brazilian clubs still face long journeys, questionable refereeing, security concerns, and an increasing number of racism cases.
Conmebol's response and Alejandro Domínguez's silence
Conmebol's silence in response to these events has been the norm. In this instance, Leila Pereira did not let it pass without speaking out.
She tried contacting Alejandro Domínguez, Conmebol’s president, right after the Luighi incident, but got no response. Only after public pressure mounted did Domínguez finally respond, promising strict sanctions. However, the $50,000 fine proved otherwise.
"I called Conmebol’s president but couldn’t reach him. After my interview, he finally called back, saying he’d be tough. But from what I’ve seen, that didn’t happen," Leila stated.
Meeting at CBF and the next steps
Leila Pereira's outrage will not be empty words. She has already arranged a meeting with Brazilian club representatives in CBF headquarters, where she will suggest more forceful action against Conmebol.
This rebellion can pick up speed, especially with almost all of Brazil's clubs having been victimized by racism in South American competition. If Conmebol is unable to protect its biggest members, why stay on?
Leila Pereira's statement cannot be dismissed as a tantrum with nothing behind it. It is a threat. Racism cannot be addressed as a minor administrative issue, resolved with minor fines.
Brazilian clubs hold power in Conmebol, and if not given seriousness, they must seek actual solutions. Concacaf is far from being a panacea, but the very suggestion of a shift forces Conmebol to understand the growing frustration.
This is not a matter of money or logistics. If South American soccer wants to be considered seriously, then it must act now. It is not merely a matter of playing, it is a matter of having players with respect and protection.