I once heard that the Copa Sudamericana is a more endogenous Europa League. I laughed. Then I realized that it was absolutely right. I laughed again.

After the disaster of the Copa Libertadores, seriously, does anyone remember the Copa Sudamericana?

The level of football is low, it is played on less commercial days and, frankly, few are interested.

Well, some do, but they are few. Very few. Maybe only you who searched for ‘Copa Sudamericana’ for Google.

This year’s edition has been appalling.

I have tried to analyze how it could be more attractive, but I have arrived at a key question: Is Latin America at a suitable level to host two international club-level tournaments?

The question is long, the answer is perhaps shorter than we think: no.

Why do they do it? Well, money, dear friend.

The CONMEBOL is a great villain in South American football when it should be the opposite. They are ‘The Joker’ when they should be something more like ‘Batman’ or maybe Robin.

American football can improve, but it’s difficult. Sport is not something that is outside the reality of the countries, it is not separate. The great union of all countries for a single tournament would seem like a great idea, but … An MLS team playing in Venezuela? There are things that do not combine.

At the end of the day, there is still a cup that sells more ‘illusions’ than football. And another that neither sells.

The tenth team of the Brazilian league has chances to enter the Copa Sudamericana for places in the table. The biggest prize for mediocrity.

Competitiveness, waste. The product, too.

Are there still people who care about the image that is transmitted abroad? Bah, it seems not.

These are difficult days, especially like these …

You turn on the TV and there is a South American match.

NOOOO!