December 16 – In a show of strength, renewing their existing Memorandum of Understanding, UEFA will stage a ‘Finalissima’ between Italy and Argentina in London next year.
Last September, the confederations put in place plans for the champions of the two continents to face off – essentially for the unofficial championship of the world – with the prestige match now confirmed for June 1.
In the final of the Copa America, Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 while Italy edged Italy on penalties to win Euro 2020.
“There is a long tradition of cooperation between UEFA and Conmebol, as could be witnessed over the years with competitions such as the Artemio Franchi Trophy and the Intercontinental Cup, and it is with great pride that we are relaunching such a prestigious national team trophy to the delight of football lovers across the globe,” said UEFA president Alexander Ceferin.
The stadium for the match has not yet been decided, but the match will be a boost to London and England’s hosting credentials in view of a potential bid for the 2030 World Cup.
Wembley Stadium received huge criticism over its staging of the Euro 2020 final when thousands of ticketless stormed the stadium in a huge breakdown and failure of security. A review, commissioned by the Football Association (FA), called the final ‘a day of national shame’.
The two governing bodies will also share an office in the English capital. UEFA and Conmebol are also exploring the idea of a match between the winners of their respective premier club competitions, the Copa Libertadores and the Champions League.
The renewed rapprochement between Europe and South America underlines their shared opposition to FIFA’s proposal for a biennial World Cup. The Memorandum of Understanding between the two confederations has been extended until 2028.
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