South American Soccer President Apologizes for Comparing Brazilian Clubs to Tarzan's Chimp

FILE - Alejandro Dominguez, president of CONMEBOL, enters the stadium during a Copa America quarterfinal soccer match between Venezuela and Canada, July 5, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

Alejandro Domínguez, the president of South American soccer body CONMEBOL, apologized Tuesday for his remarks the previous day comparing Brazilian clubs to a chimpanzee from Tarzan films.
Domínguez told journalists the previous night after the Copa Libertadores draw in Paraguay that the South American club tournament without Brazilian teams that have dominated it in recent years would be “like Tarzan without Cheetah.”
“Regarding my recent statement, I want to express my apologies,” Domínguez said in a statement. "The expression I used is a popular phrase and I never intended to belittle or discredit anyone. The CONMEBOL Libertadores is unthinkable without the participation of clubs from the 10 member countries. I reaffirm my commitment to continue working for a fairer, more united soccer, free from discrimination.”
CONMEBOL has been under increased pressure to act decisively against racism. Moments before his comment to journalists, Domínguez spoke in Portuguese and claimed CONMEBOL has worked hard to stop racism, The Associated Press reported. Several Brazilian players and fans have been targeted by monkey chants at away matches in recent years, which has also brought more pressure on the confederation's president to act.
The most recent case took place on March 6, when Palmeiras U-20 striker Luighi spoke with tears in his eyes about racism he had endured from fans of Paraguay's Cerro Porteno in a U-20 Copa Libertadores match. Later, CONMEBOL fined the club in $50,000 and banned its supporters from attending the tournament, which Brazilian clubs saw as a timid punishment.