By Davidson Abraham, Middle East
FRI, 09 SEPT, 2022-theGBJournal| The United States is a serious candidate to host the next FIFA Club World Cup. The Club World cup is likely to be held in February 2023, with the United States overtaking Abu Dhabi and China as the frontrunner to host the tournament.
With this season’s global football schedule placed under strain by the decision to hold the Qatar World Cup (usually played in June/July) in November and December, FIFA is yet to confirm when or if its flagship the club tournament will go ahead.
As things stand, FIFA is eyeing the week of 6 to 12 February 2023 for the semi-finals and final of the Club World Cup, which involves the club champions of every continental confederation. These potential dates that fall just prior to the first round of 2022/23 UEFA Champions League last-16 first legs, which are scheduled to be played on 14 and 15 February.
FIFA had sought to stage the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi, which has hosted the 2017, 2018 and 2021 editions of the event, while China was also in the running. However, no agreement could be reached with either venue, leading the US to emerge as the frontrunner to hold the tournament.
As European champions, Madrid would be given a bye to the semi-finals, as would the winners of South America’s Copa Libertadores, which is currently taking place. The final of the Libertadores, scheduled for 29 October, will be an all-Brazilian affair between Flamengo and Atlético Paranaense.
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