South American football boss sorry for 'Tarzan without Cheetah' comment

Alejandro Dominguez made the comment during Monday's draw for the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana tournaments in Paraguay. "The expression I used is a popular phrase, and I never intended to belittle anyone," CONMEBOL boss Dominguez wrote on social media.

It followed a suggestion from Palmeiras president Leila Pereira that Brazilian clubs should withdraw from South American tournaments because of a lack of sanctions against racism. Dominguez replied that "CONMEBOL without Brazilian clubs would be like Tarzan without Cheetah."

Dominguez immediately apologised. "I want to apologise. I have always promoted respect and inclusion in football and society, fundamental values for CONMEBOL," he said. Pereira had accused CONMEBOL of being "very dismissive" of racist insults hurled at Palmeiras youth players during a match in Asuncion this month.

The captain of the Under-20 team, Luighi, broke down in tears after the game. "How long is this going to go on? What they did to me was a crime," the 18-year-old striker said. "What is CONMEBOL going to do about it?"

The head of CONMEBOL agreed that sanctions are insufficient with the Paraguayan club fined $50,000 and ordered to promote anti-racism campaigns. The sanction was considered "insignificant" by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).