Following the announcement from UEFA, CONMEBOL has similarly issued a declaration outlining its perspective.
Official Declaration
CONMEBOL and AFA consistently affirmed their readiness to host the Finalissima at a neutral location. They eventually agreed to a proposed venue following strong pressure from UEFA to play in Madrid. Regrettably, a definitive consensus for staging the game could not be reached, as the alternate date requested was deemed unfeasible given the tight schedule.
Several months prior, CONMEBOL and UEFA had reached an understanding to organize the Finalissima, pitting the national teams of Argentina against Spain, in Qatar. This nation has proven its capability to host significant events and shown a deep dedication to the sport.
After the option of playing in Qatar was dismissed, both confederations—along with the Argentine and Spanish football associations—endeavored to find an arrangement agreeable to everyone. In this light, it became evident that hosting a solitary match in Madrid would contravene the spirit of fair play, given it would not constitute a neutral setting.
Under these circumstances, on Saturday, March 14, the AFA was presented with a proposition to hold the game in Italy, a neutral ground, on March 27. Argentina consented to this arrangement, with the sole exception of the date, proposing March 31 as an alternative.
Regrettably, UEFA informed them that staging the match on the 31st—merely a four-day difference from the initially suggested date—was not feasible, leading to the Finalissima’s ultimate cancellation.
CONMEBOL and AFA express profound disappointment that, notwithstanding the considerable endeavors and initial commitment to play this fixture at a neutral location, the event could not proceed.
CONMEBOL and AFA are left only to convey their gratitude to Qatar for its consistent cooperative attitude, and to UEFA and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for their contributions aimed at realizing this significant encounter.
