Uruguyan FA president Wilmar Valdez is far from happy with the Copa America Centenario.
In the aftermath of Uruguay’s 3-1 loss to Mexico, Valdez says that it was a “mistake” to host the Copa America in the U.S. The Uruguayan executive went on to say that the format greatly favors Mexico, while admitting he shoulders some responsibility for allowing the special edition tournament to be played in the U.S.
“CONMEBOL got it wrong,” Valdez said. “It erred in celebrating a tournament like this, the oldest in the world, South American football, here in the United States where yesterday it became very clear that it is arranged for Mexico.
“South American football is passion,” Valdez added. “It’s a different culture, with lots of positive things. But it’s a country where they don’t feel football. They are not like South Americans and that causes problems.”
Valdez and the rest of South America may have to get very used to having the Copa America stateside. Reports emerged on Monday stating that CONMEBOL and CONCACAF were looking to combine the Gold Cup and Copa America for a U.S.-based tournament every four years.
Uruguay returns to action on Thursday against Venezuela, while Mexico takes on Jamaica.
What do you think of Valdez’s comments? Agree or disagree? Has the tournament proven to be a mistake thus far?
Share your thoughts below.
