CONCACAF exits the Copa Sudamericana
CONCACAF have decided not to extend their participation in CONMEBOL's Copa Sudamericana. They had originally agreed to participate in four editions of the tournament from 2005-2008. With the advent of the CONCACAF Champions League, there are more matches and conflicting dates in the region, so participation in the Sudamericana no longer makes sense to CONCACAF.
I'd say that participation in the Copa Libertadores -- which will continue -- doesn't make sense to CONCACAF, either. Mexican clubs like it, of course, because of the increased exposure, advertising revenue, and level of play. But there exist the same issues with conflicting dates, as well as the matter of why clubs from one confederation are playing in the club championship tournament of another. Apparently the same question is going through CONCACAF's collective mind, as the Executive Committee will discuss the confederation's participation in Copa Libertadores in November.
Monterrey and Puebla are the clubs who will suffer most by CONCACAF's action; Puebla haven't been in international competition in 16 years and their coach was not at all pleased by the news.