FIFA’s decision in Paris on Monday to appoint Qatar as hosts of the Club World Cup has thrilled the football fans in the country and the region. The two events - that draw huge fans from around the world every year - are set to be held in December this year and at the same time in 2020.
The seven-team tournament - that is set to grow into a 24-side event from 2021 - will be held among the continental champions in what is usually the perfect time of the year weather-wise. December brings warm sunshine for most part of the month and Qatar’s World Cup stadiums, including the iconic Khalifa International Stadium, Al Janoub Stadium and Al Bayt Stadium, are likely to be used for the hugely popular football festival.
The decision announced by the world governing body on Monday actually means that UEFA Champions League winners Liverpool will be one of the teams set to feature in the Club World Cup in Qatar this December. Last Saturday, Jurgen Klopp’s British giants Liverpool crushed Tottenham Hotspurs 2-0 in Madrid to qualify for this year’s Club World Cup. Qatar will have to brace up for thousands of Liverpol fans to land in Doha to support their teams.
The competition was first held in 2000 when it was called the FIFA Club World Championship. The tournament was not held between 2001 and 2004 due to a combination of factors but since 2005, the competition has been held every year. The event has been successfully hosted by Brazil, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Morocco and has drawn millions of fans to football venues in these countries. Past champions include Real Madrid, Barcelona, Corinthians, Sao Paulo, Internacional, Milan, Manchester United, Internazionale and Bayern Munich.
Real Madrid, with four Club World Cup titles under their belt, won’t be there in Qatar - at least this season - since Liverpool emerged as the European giants for the sixth time three days ago. Liverpool will be joined by the winners of this year’s AFC Champions League (Asia), CAF Champions League (Africa), CONCACAF Champions League (North America), Copa Libertadores (South America), OFC Champions League (Oceania) and Qatar Stars League (QSL) champions Al Sadd.
Clubs from Spain have dominated the tournament winning seven times. Last season, Real Madrid beat UAE’s 4-1 in the final of the 2018 edition to claim their third successive Club World Cup edition. In 2011, Qatar giants Al Sadd won the AFC Champions League title and qualified for the edition held in Japan under coach Jorge Fossati. Come December and Al Sadd will be there again, this time on home soil.
