One of the strategic pillars of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) is Clear Rules. Under this principle, CONMEBOL was the only football organization in the world to initiate a forensic audit within the framework of FIFAgate, positioning the Institution as a victim of its former executives, which enabled the recovery of over USD 130 million.
The forensic audit revealed evidence of conduct that caused financial harm to the Institution and illicit gains for those responsible. Its findings were presented to the CONMEBOL Congress, which ordered the implementation of all necessary actions to recover the misappropriated funds and continue the investigations.
As a result, in 2017, CONMEBOL filed a criminal complaint in the Republic of Paraguay to clarify these events and to identify possible criminally relevant routes through which the illicit benefits may have circulated.
In 2021, CONMEBOL submitted a second criminal complaint in Paraguay, based on new information and by order of the Congress.
As a victim of these events, the Institution has consistently maintained a clear stance on the need for full clarification of the circumstances.
Last week, the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Paraguay presented conclusions that confirm the facts previously reported. The Judiciary of the Republic of Paraguay stated that these conclusions meet all the legal requirements to advance criminal prosecution.
Consequently, as a result of the investigations and based on the strength of the existing evidence, several individuals — including executives of Banco Atlas S.A. (Paraguay) — are now facing judicial proceedings for the alleged crime of money laundering. This represents a significant step forward in the context of the FIFAgate processes, the name encompassing international investigations and legal proceedings into corruption in football.
Regarding this development, CONMEBOL’s legal representative, Dr. Claudio Lovera, praised the judicial resolution, stating that “the authorities within the criminal justice system have confirmed that the complaints filed by CONMEBOL are well-founded and represent legitimate claims.”
While applauding the actions of the judiciary, CONMEBOL reaffirms that it will exercise all powers granted by law to ensure that the authorities issue, in due course, the necessary decisions to recover the funds that rightfully belong to the Institution and South American football, reiterating its firm commitment to achieving full justice in this case.
