South America's football chief, Alejandro Dominguez (TyC Sports)

South America's football chief, Alejandro Dominguez, considered on Sunday that FIFA should honor the legacy of legends Pele and Diego Maradona by awarding the centennial 2030 World Cup to the continent.

With competition intensifying before FIFA decides on the event in 2024, Dominguez said there should be less focus on "money" in the process.

Uruguay, which held the original 13-team World Cup in 1930, has linked up with Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay to bid for the 2030 event.

The main challenge is a joint bid from Spain, Portugal, and Ukraine, which has the European governing body UEFA's backing. Reports have said Saudi Arabia could launch a bid with Egypt and Greece.

Asked at an event honoring Pele whether the Brazilian football legend or the legacy of the late Maradona could help sway the decision, Dominguez indicated that FIFA had to choose between football and money.

"The question is for FIFA -- what do they plan to do with the history created by Pele and later Maradona?" said the head of CONMEBOL, the South American confederation.

"It really should be back to the roots because football is not just about money. It should not be about the competition of who puts up the most money for a World Cup," he made clear.

Dominguez also stressed that "It should also be about recognizing who made this party possible," referring to Pele and Maradona, as well as Uruguay as hosts of the first World Cup.

In a related context, the official revealed that CONMEBOL had proposed that Brazil change its national shirt to honor Pele, 82, who was hospitalized this month as he battles cancer.

The badge on the shirt has five stars at the top to mark each of the country's World Cup wins. Pele was on the winning team three times.

Dominguez explained that the proposal was for Brazil to "change three of their stars for three hearts, in homage to the king."