Copa Libertadores: Why was the trophy to be awarded at the Centennial in Lima for 45 days? | REPORT

Eternal glory had a 45-day stopover in Peru. The trophy of the Liberators cup, which will be disputed between Flamengo and Palmeiras, rested in a Peruvian silverware before embarking on the trip to Montevideo. Peruvian soccer does not have registered champions in this continental tournament, however, that silver trophy has national DNA. Peruvian hands made it. Peruvian hands will one day lift it.

Alejandro Domínguez, president of the Conmebol, He noticed the constant changes that the trophy underwent until it was away from its original version. “They made many changes and restorations to it, especially after 2003, when the Cup broke down in the Olympic round of Once Caldas. Even the material changed”Domínguez commented in a documentary produced by the highest entity of South American football.

Each decade the trophy was modified, even the companies in charge were changed year by year. Conmebol decided that this edition of the Copa Libertadores make historical tributes: the venue will be the Centenario Stadium (home of the first Soccer World Cup in 1930) and the trophy will return to its original design.

For all this, the Conmebol It was proposed for this 2021 to restore the Cup and looked for the original factory which is located in Peru. The company Camusso He accepted responsibility two years ago and was able to do so in recent months. “Conmebol contacted us two or three years ago, because President Alejandro Domínguez himself realized that the current trophy player was kicking with the left and that it was not a natural position. From that point on, the contact and the process are established, especially since we had the original molds. With the model kicking with the right and with more engravings on the trophy “, says Carlo Tonani, director of Camusso and director of the restoration of the Copa Libertadores.

The historical Peruvian leader, Teófilo Salinas, was the one who recommended this Peruvian company and who gave the first indications for the elaboration of the Cup. Alberto de Gasperi and Siro Tonani took over the job 62 years ago. “The idea of ​​Mr. Salinas at the time was that the trophy has a European and world level. The elaboration lasted between two to three months. The concept that the circumference of the trophy represents the game ball and the world at the same time. That is the symbolism that they wanted to give to the sport “adds Tonani. Another important detail is that the restored Cup returns to its original material: 925 sterling silver. Camusso informed us that the value of this Cup, for now, is confidential.

Looking for a ‘tri’

This restored trophy spent 45 days resting in the factory Camusso after having been completed. Two weeks ago, he left for Montevideo until he reached his final station: the mythical Centenario stadium.

For now, the Conmebol will continue to deliver replicas and will keep the original trophy. However, there is a rule that could begin to be fulfilled today: the club that wins the Cup three times in a row, will take the original trophy to their windows. Palmeiras, if he beats Flamengo, he will already accumulate two. Camusso will also be in charge of the replicas.

“We have thought about having a museum-type exhibition for next year. It has been planned to have the exhibition of a replica of the Cup and to do tours, where we can also explain how the silver industry is managed “, continued Tonani.

Within the restoration of the original trophy, details have been returned to the neck of the Cup already recordings within the upper sphere. The base has maintained its size, although it will soon have to grow. In that wooden tower now there is only room to engrave the shields of four more champions.

Peruvian soccer was very close to touching continental glory. Since the first edition of the Liberators cupIn 1960 -for six years it was called the Copa de Campeones de América-, two Peruvian clubs reached the final: University in 1972 and Sporting Cristal in 1997. The poetic revenge of our country is to have kept the original trophy for 45 days. Silently, but with great pride. May the next stay be for much longer. It is not an exaggeration to say: the Copa Libertadores is Peruvian.