CONMEBOL mulls Copa Libertadores overhaul

The Copa Libertadores could become a year-long competition with a single final under plans unveiled by South American football's top official.

Alejandro Dominguez, the president of South American football governing body CONMEBOL, said talks were underway to expand the competition beyond its current six-month format and scrap the two-legged final system, reports Xinhua.

The move would replicate the successful model used for the European Champions League.

"In the near term we could have only one final that will be rotated between the 10 [CONMEBOL] countries," Dominguez told Colombian newspaper El Tiempo on Thursday.

The Paraguayan, who assumed the role in January, added: "There is a push to have the Copa Libertadores all year round and we are going to debate it. It's an interesting option.

"We need to study the idea thoroughly and also consider associating ourselves with CONCACAF, but it's important to look at the distances some clubs will be forced to travel."

Dominguez said independent auditors had been hired to probe Conmebol's commercial contracts amid allegations of corruption within the entity.

The Copa Libertadores, which comprises teams from South America and Mexico, is considered Latin America's most prestigious club trophy.

--IANS

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