October 18 – Conmebol has proposed the format for South American qualification route for the revamped club World Cup in 2021, but has met opposition to the proposal from heavyweight regional giant.
The governing body wants the 2019 and 2020 winners of the Copa Libertadores, South America’s equivalent of the Champions League, the champions of the 2019 and 2020 Copa Sulamericana, the South American version of the Europa League, and the winners of a Super Cup to represent the continent in 2021 when a 24-team Club World Cup is expected to debut.
FIFA is set to confirm the new tournament format later this month at its Council meeting in Shanghai. China are in pole position to land the tournament.
Conmebol would reintroduce the Super Cup tournament to decide the last two representatives, but the Brazilian Football Confederation is against the introduction of a new tournament, citing a lack of playing dates and a need to protect the off season, according to Brazilian media.
“When this possibility was rolled out, I immediately stated that there is no chance of Brazilian clubs participating in this tournament,” said CBF president Rogerio Caboclo. “We have no date available and we will not sacrifice the holidays and the preseason period in Brazil.”
Conmebol’s council are scheduled to approve the idea for a new competition in November on the eve of the final of the Copa Sulamericana.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1730568101labto1730568101ofdlr1730568101owedi1730568101sni@o1730568101fni1730568101