UEFA teams won't play in new Club World Cup approved by FIFA
The ECA sent a letter to UEFA concerning the new Club World Cup signed by presidents and vice-presidents of 15 clubs on the continent, including Madrid, Barça and Juventus.
The Association of European Clubs (ECA) sent a letter to UEFA underlining that none of its 232 members will participate in the new Club World Championship promoted by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and approved by the Executive Board of FIFA.
As published by German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, the letter written in very explicit terms was signed by presidents and vice presidents of 15 clubs on the continent, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Paris St-Germain and Manchester United.
The text states: "We are firmly against any potential approval of a reformed Club World Championship at this time and confirm that no ECA club would participate in such a competition," as in their opinion any version of this tournament would not be acceptable for European clubs given the current competitions and schedule set until 2024.
Club World Cup
The FIFA Council approved this Friday in Miami the project of the Club World Cup on which Infantino has been working for several months, that has the support of Asia and Arab investors willing to spent up to 25 million dollars to start it up.
The plans of the initiative will have 24 clubs from all over the world and will be held every four years, with its first edition being 17 June to July 4, 2021.