World club championship confirmed
Wednesday 19 May 2004
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The European/South American Cup will be replaced by a new annual FIFA Club World Championship in 2005, football's world governing body have announced.
Seven-game format
Continental champions from all six FIFA confederations will take part in the first tournament in Tokyo from 11-18 December 2005. The tournament will consist of seven matches, with the UEFA and South American representatives each only playing two games, having a bye past the first round which will involve teams from Africa, Asia, North and Central America and Oceania. The European side will be decided by invitation, with the UEFA Champions League winners having first option but no obligation to take part.
Prize fund
FIFA first announced the tournament in February, but their Executive Committee only ratified the competition in Paris today following negotiations with all of the contractual partners of the European/South American Cup, with a prize fund of around €12.5m on offer.
Previous tournament
Beginning in 1960, the European/South American Cup has been played in Japan since 1980/81. FIFA organised a Club World Championship in 2000 in Brazil, won by SC Corinthians Paulista in a tourmanet where Europe was represented by Manchester United FC and Real Madrid CF.
Final edition
The last European/South American Cup match will be played in Japan this December, with CA Boca Juniors having beaten AC Milan on penalties in the 2003 edition. The winners of last seaon's Champions League final, FC Porto, will meet CD Once Caldas, the victors in the Copa Libertadores.
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