South America’s soccer chief stated Sunday that FIFA ought to honour the legacy of Pele and Diego Maradona by awarding the centennial 2030 World Cup to the continent. With competitors intensifying earlier than the worldwide physique decides on the occasion in 2024, Alejandro Dominguez stated there needs to be much less deal with “money” within the course of. Uruguay, which held the unique 13-team World Cup in 1930, has linked up with Argentina, Chile and Paraguay to bid for the 2030 occasion, which would be the second with 48 groups.

The predominant problem is a joint bid from Spain, Portugal and Ukraine, which has European governing physique UEFA’s backing. Reports have stated Saudi Arabia might launch a bid with Egypt and Greece.

Asked at an occasion honouring the ailing Pele whether or not the previous Brazil star or the legacy of late Argentina nice Maradona might assist sway the choice, Dominguez stated FIFA had to decide on between soccer and cash.

“The question is for FIFA — what do they plan to do with the history created by Pele and later Maradona?” stated the top 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 recognising who made this party possible,” Dominguez added, referring to Pele and Maradona, in addition to Uruguay as hosts of the primary World Cup.

Dominguez stated CONMEBOL had additionally proposed that Brazil change its nationwide shirt to honour Pele, 82, who was hospitalised this month as he battles most cancers.

The badge on the shirt has 5 stars on the high to mark every of the nation’s World Cup wins. Pele was within the profitable crew 3 times.

Dominguez stated the proposal was for Brazil to “change three of their stars for three hearts, in homage to the king.”

(This story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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