Asunción, Paraguay – January 2026 On January 26, 2026, the Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol (CONMEBOL) marked a historic milestone: ten years since Alejandro Domínguez took office as president. This decade has been defined by profound change, turning an organisation scarred by the FIFA Gate scandal into a model of transparency, reinvestment, and football-first priorities. Under Domínguez’s leadership, the guiding motto—“Giving football what belongs to football”—has driven every decision, ensuring that revenues flow back into the sport, its players, clubs, communities, and future generations across South America.
When Domínguez assumed the presidency in 2016, CONMEBOL was in crisis. The FIFA Gate corruption revelations had exposed deep governance flaws, misused funds, and shattered trust. The confederation operated with outdated structures, limited accountability, and damaged financial credibility. Domínguez’s immediate focus was clear: restore integrity, rebuild institutions, and refocus entirely on football.
As he famously stated: “The end was money, and the means was football. What we did was focus on football and the entire ecosystem that lives around football.” This shift from personal gain to collective progress has reshaped South American football, delivering stronger competitions, inclusive development, and global success.
Institutional Reform and Transparency Milestones
Reform started at the foundation. CONMEBOL introduced comprehensive statute changes to prevent undue personal influence and align with international best practices. A groundbreaking step was the first forensic audit ever conducted by a football confederation, which exposed past irregularities and enabled accountability.
Thanks to these efforts, CONMEBOL recovered over USD 130 million linked to the FIFA Gate scandal—funds that were reinvested directly into football development instead of being lost. The organisation earned prestigious ISO certifications for anti-bribery and compliance systems, setting high standards for ethical operations.
Transparency became routine: independent external audits, open financial reporting, and restored relationships with banks allowed access to credit lines once again. Courts reclassified CONMEBOL from a “criminal association” to a “victim organisation” in FIFA-related proceedings, recognising its cooperation and reforms. These milestones rebuilt credibility and created a solid platform for sustainable growth.
Reinvesting 100% in Football: Record Financial Commitments
A cornerstone of Domínguez’s tenure is the commitment that 100% of revenues support football. Official figures show 95% directed to member associations, clubs, tournaments, technology, and logistics, with just 5% covering administration.
Since 2016, over USD 587 million has been distributed to the ten member associations (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela). These investments have strengthened national federations and enabled grassroots programs.
Infrastructure received major attention: USD 180 million was spent renovating more than 60 stadiums across the continent, improving safety, accessibility, and fan experiences. Prize money for flagship club tournaments like the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana surged by 442% between 2015 and 2025, fueled by better broadcasting deals and sponsorships. This financial boost has elevated competition levels and attracted global attention.
Development of Women’s and Youth Football
CONMEBOL prioritised inclusivity and long-term talent pipelines. Women’s football investment nearly doubled (up almost 200% from 2018 to 2024), funding elite competitions, training, and visibility.
Eight new youth tournaments were launched, reaching over 500,000 young players. Each year, more than 20,000 girls participate in organised football, breaking down barriers and promoting gender equality.
The confederation delivered over 26 coach education courses in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, building a qualified coaching network. In total, more than USD 150 million supported infrastructure, programs, and institutional growth for women’s and youth football—ensuring South America nurtures diverse talent for generations to come.
Global Success and FIFA Achievements
On-field results reflect the transformation. South American teams won nine FIFA World Titles in the decade, including:
– Men’s World Cup: Argentina (Qatar 2022)
– U-20 World Cup: Uruguay (2023)
– U-17 World Cup: Brazil (2019)
– Beach Soccer World Cup: Brazil (2017, 2024, 2025)
– Futsal World Cup: Argentina (2016), Brazil (2024)
– Women’s Futsal World Cup: Brazil (2025)
CONMEBOL hosted nine FIFA tournaments and organised the 75th FIFA Congress in Paraguay in 2025.
Future highlights include co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup centenary matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, plus Brazil hosting the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup—the first time the women’s tournament comes to South America.
Technology and Fan Experience Innovations
Innovation enhanced every aspect of the game. Full VAR rollout ensured fairer officiating in major tournaments. The Referee Technology Centre (CETA) provided cutting-edge training.
Flagship competitions adopted single-match finals for maximum excitement. Broadcast standards improved dramatically, with advanced production leading to record viewership worldwide.
These changes make South American football more professional, engaging, and accessible to global fans.
Community Impact and Social Responsibility
CONMEBOL extended its impact beyond competitions. Using recovered funds, it built the SUMA educational and training complex in Luque, Paraguay—a lasting legacy of reinvestment.
The renovated CONMEBOL Museum has attracted over 120,000 visitors, celebrating football heritage and educating new generations.
During the COVID-19 crisis, CONMEBOL provided USD 95 million in financial aid and distributed over 50,000 vaccine doses to football families and communities, showing solidarity in tough times.
A Decade of Legacy
Ten years under Alejandro Domínguez have transformed CONMEBOL into a beacon of good governance, transparency, and football-centric investment. Tournaments are more competitive, clubs are stronger, development is more inclusive, and South America’s global standing is elevated.
As the region gears up for major World Cups and continued growth, Domínguez’s vision endures: football belongs to its people, and CONMEBOL is dedicated to returning what rightfully belongs to it.
About CONMEBOL
Founded in 1916, CONMEBOL is the governing body for football in South America. It organises top competitions like the Copa América and Copa Libertadores, driving the sport’s development and values.
