CONMEBOL says players' health will be guaranteed upon restart

RIO DE JANEIRO -- The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) has vowed to take no risks as it prepares for the sport's return after the coronavirus stoppage.

Football in the region was suspended in mid-March and officials are only now discussing its resumption through a series of video conferences involving players, coaches, physicians and fitness experts.

"There will be a coordinated, homogenous and responsible effort made to ensure that football returns with the maximum guarantees for everyone," CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez said during the latest call on Thursday.

He added that the entity would prioritize the health of players, coaches, staff, match officials and stadium workers by following the recommendations of authorities.

CONMEBOL development director Gonzalo Belloso reaffirmed the governing body's wish to restart the Copa Libertadores - South America's premier club competition - in September.

But he said a final decision was dependent on the pandemic's trends and how quickly member nations and regions were able to restart their competitions.

CONMEBOL also hopes to commence its 2022 World Cup qualifiers in September. The first two rounds of the tournament were initially scheduled for late March before they were postponed indefinitely.