Copa Sudamericana, the second most important club tournament in the conmebol region, has instituted two changes w/r/t who takes part. CONCACAF have decided their teams will not be allowed to participate, presumably because they think it takes legitimacy away from their own confederation competition, the CONCACAF Champion's League. I like this quite a bit. It has always seemed strange to me that Mexican teams take part in club tournaments in two different zones. Of course, they are still allowed to play Copa Libertadores, which matters a lot more, but it is a small step. I fully understand why conmebol wants Mexican teams in their competitions- there is millions to be made. But as a fan that means nothing to me. Mexican teams never bring anything to the table that I enjoy as a spectator and it is not like their level is so far beyond what is in their own region that they need better competition. So that is a good move.
Conmebol itself has instituted a change, starting in 2010 teams will have to qualify through their domestic tournaments. Since 2002 Boca Juniors and River Plate were always invited to the tournament because of the tradition and aura they lent the event. This is kind of absurd and one of the reasons the Copa S. lacks the legitimacy of the Libertadores. Good moves as well.
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