Last update July 24, 2024 by colgadosporelfutbol
Can you imagine Spain playing in the Copa América? Well, this could have happened in the year 1995. And the RFEF, He was about to accept an invitation from the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) To participate in the Copa América, that would be held in Uruguay of the 5 al 23 July of that year. This invitation was part of an ambitious plan of the organizers to make the competition an edition say ‘Iberoamericana’, which included the intention of inviting Spain not only, but also to Portugal. The truth is that it would have been a tip.
Spain and Portugal in the Copa América 1995?
The idea of including Spain generated great enthusiasm among the organizers. Even a pet was designed for the occasion, A pulling enough topics called ‘Torito Pepe ’.
Supposedly in honor of Iberian participation. In Spain, The proposal raised expectation. According to the mythical magazine Don Balón, The RFEF consulted the 20 First division clubs of the time, who responded affirmatively, promoting the decision to participate in the tournament. Although this was obviously not enough for it to happen.
Angel Maria Villar, President of the RFEF was one of the most squeezed and more interest that this happened and Spain played that Copa America 1995. Even, The then Clemente, They say he supported the idea, Considering it a good essay for the Eurocup 96 that he was going to play the following summer in England.
In the end it was a no and neither Spain nor Portugal played
But nevertheless, The initial enthusiasm did not translate into a definitive confirmation. The 20 September 1994, The RFEF announced its resignation to participate. The decision was influenced by several factors, among them the tight calendar of the Spanish league and the qualifiers for the Eurocup of England 96.
Although initially the clubs seemed to support participation, Most were finally reluctant, citing the possible complications and risks for their players. Although the possibility of participation in the South American tournament was in the past, Who knows if one day we will see Spain and Portugal play a Copa América. I would have its point.
