South America’s football head has claimed that FIFA should honour the legacy of Pele and Diego Maradona by awarding the 2030 World Cup to the continent.
With competition intensifying before the global body decides on the event in 2024, Alejandro Dominguez has stated that there should be less focus on “money” in the process.
Uruguay, which held the original 13-team World Cup in 1930, has linked up with Argentina, Chile and Paraguay to bid for the 2030 event, which will be the second with 48 teams.
However, a joint bid from Spain, Portugal and Ukraine, which has European governing body UEFA’s backing is on table.
Reports have said that Saudi Arabia could launch a bid with Egypt and Greece.
Asked at an event honouring Pele whether the former Brazil star or the legacy of late Argentina great Maradona could help sway the decision, Dominguez opined;
“The question is for FIFA — what do they plan to do with the history created by Pele and later Maradona?” said the head of CONMEBOL, the South American confederation.
“It really should be back to the roots because football is not just about money. It should not be about the competition of who puts up the most money for a World Cup.”
“It should also be about recognizing who made this party possible,” Dominguez added, referring to Pele and Maradona, as well as Uruguay as hosts of the first World Cup.
