Conmebol

Mercosur and Japan have begun negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement that could create one of the world’s largest free trade zones, with a combined GDP of $7 trillion and a focus on sectors such as agribusiness, energy, and the automotive industry.

The foreign ministers of Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia signed the formal reactivation of the Urupabol integration mechanism in Asunción, which aims to strengthen political coordination and cooperation in areas such as infrastructure and trade.

The Mercosur Summit kicked off in Luque with a focus on the trade agreement with the European Union and negotiations over the Itaipú energy tariff.

The 26th International Fair of Construction Equipment, Machinery, and Materials – Constructecnia – will be held from May 21 to 24 at the Conmebol Convention Center in Luque. The event brings together around 900 brands and 200 companies, with a program that includes conferences, business rounds, and panels on public works financing, energy, social housing, and mining.

Prosecutor Marlene González confirmed that she is investigating the traceability of funds moved by Banco do Brasil and Banco Continental, both involved in the FIFAgate scandal. The focus is on a complex circuit of international transfers and trusts, while Conmebol, chaired by Alejandro Domínguez, maintains a passive stance.

Alejandro Domínguez, president of Conmebol and FIFA vice-president, faces an internal ethics complaint alleging that he and another senior official received more than US$5 million from funds recovered from the 2015 corruption scandal. The complaint emerges on the eve of the 2026 World Cup and raises questions about transparency in FIFA's ethics committee.

Conmebol President Alejandro Domínguez has been internally reported for allegedly receiving more than $5 million from funds recovered in the FIFAGate scandal, according to The New York Times. The complaint was filed with FIFA's ethics committee over a year ago, and world football's governing body is said to be aware of the case.

The 71st Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Americas (CAM) will take place on May 28 and 29 in Asunción, at the Conmebol Convention Center. The event will bring together 26 international delegations and tourism authorities, aiming to position Paraguay as a tourism leader in the region.

After 16 years of absence, the qualification of the Paraguayan National Team for the 2030 World Cup, under the command of Gustavo Alfaro, generates economic expectations and international projection. Group D, with the United States, Turkey, and Australia, opens opportunities for the Country Brand, agribusiness, tourism, and sectors such as clothing and technology, with emphasis on the digitalization of MSMEs.

Conmebol has decided, due to force majeure, to transfer to Asunción all Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana matches in which Bolivian clubs would have been hosts this week, because of the severe social crisis that has paralyzed Bolivia for twelve days.

President Santiago Peña is accused of denying ties to a digital communicator who received an official credential, while allegations of a smear campaign against government critics grow. The head of Mitic is pressured to resign for allegedly concealing data, and Conmebol president Alejandro Domínguez faces corruption accusations from the United States.

Paraguay's Public Ministry on Monday requested a 6-year prison sentence for former sports executive Ramón González Daher, accused of lying under oath in 2021 during a defamation lawsuit filed by Conmebol president Alejandro Domínguez. The defense claims the defendant invented a voluntary resignation from the vice presidency of the Paraguayan Football Association (APF), but official documents show he was removed for failing a fitness exam.

The president of the Social Security Institute (IPS), Isaías Fretes, announced an asset audit to map the agency's more than 800 properties. Preliminary estimates indicate that the IPS receives only 20% of the amount due in rents, generating huge losses. The investigation, coordinated by Minister Alberto Cabrera, will also cover the control of medicines and supplies.

Paraguay's Financial Development Agency (AFD) issued 2,600 guarantees backing US$ 55 million in credits for women, according to President Stella Guillén. The initiative aims to reduce barriers such as informality and lack of credit history, promoting economic autonomy and family impact.

Prosecutor Andrea Vera requested on Monday (18) the conviction of former sports executive Ramón González Daher to 6 years in prison for perjury during the closing arguments of the trial. González Daher, who is already serving a 15-year sentence for aggravated usury, money laundering, and false accusation, is accused of lying about the reasons for his departure from the Paraguayan Football Association (APF) in testimony given in 2021.

Conmebol transferred three matches involving Bolivian clubs to Asunción due to social conflicts in the country. Always Ready, Independiente Petrolero, and Blooming will play in Paraguay this week.