Eugenio Figueredo is the new president of the South American Football Federation Conmebol.
He replaces Paraguayan Nicolas Leoz, who has resigned on health and personal grounds.
Figueredo will serve in the role until at least May 2015, when the position will be up for re-election.
Figueredo has served as the vice=president to Leoz since 2006. Previously he had been president of the Uruguayan Soccer Association.
The quick appointment is outlined under Article 35.1 in the Conmebol statute, which states the vice-president should immediately replace the president if he vacates his position.
In 2010, Leoz found himself in the middle of match fixing allegations. The BBC alleged he had taken bribes regarding World Cup television rights in the 1990s.
