The sudden collapse of Ueno Bank is causing concern not only for Paraguayan football but also for the main structures of Latin American football: the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol), for example, is one of the institution's main clients.
Despite the climate of great anxiety, the Confederation has announced that the funding freeze will not prevent the payment of prize money to be awarded in the upcoming Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana finals.
The organization had 85 billion guaranís, approximately $13.5 million , in its bank, now frozen. "That money is only a portion of the prize money distributed in the cups. There's no risk to the tournament finals; they will be held as normal," the source assured.
The decisive match of the Copa Sudamericana will be between Argentina's Boca Juniors and Brazil's Atlético Mineiro on November 21st in Barranquilla. The winner will receive $10 million and the loser $2 million. The Copa Libertadores final will be played on November 28th between Argentina's Estudiantes de La Plata and Brazil's Palmeiras, with the winner receiving $25 million and the loser $7 million.
The situation is different for Paraguayan soccer: the country's most powerful clubs, such as Cerro Porteño and Olimpia, paid a large portion of their salaries through that bank. And so many players have been affected by the bankruptcy, so much so that their union has expressed concern: "We will make the best decisions for the benefit of the entire group of players," it said. The Paraguayan national team also released a statement in support of the players. "It pains us to see thousands of families going through anguish, uncertainty, and worry. To see our people worried about making ends meet, about jobs, about their children's futures. Behind every number are people, families, dreams, and a lifetime of commitment that deserves respect."
At least ten national team players have their money in Ueno, player representative Rodrigo Codas said.
(Unioneonline)
