FIFA unveils new annual competition for clubs

FIFA is set to launch a new annual international club competition from 2024.

In a post on his Instagram page on Sunday, Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, revealed that the competition will be named “Intercontinental Cup”.

The new competition will feature a playoff phase for the champions of the foremost club competitions across five continents — Africa, Asia, South America, Oceania, and North America.

The winner of the playoff will play the champions of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) in the final on neutral ground.

“The tournament will feature all current confederation premier club competition champions and concludes with a final at a neutral venue between the UEFA Champions League winners and the winners of an intercontinental playoff between clubs from the other confederations,” the post reads.

The playoffs will be played on December 14, 2024, followed by the final four days later.

FIFA also revealed that the revamped 32-team Club World Cup will be played from June 15 to July 13, 2025.

Last year, the world football governing body announced its intention to switch the men’s Club World Cup from an annual event to a quadrennial tournament.

FIFA also said the number of participants will be increased from seven to 32 teams, and the first edition will be hosted by the US.

In the latest statement from FIFA, the rejigged tournament will have eight groups of four, with the top two teams from each group going through to the knockout stages.

FIFA added that teams will qualify for the competition based on sporting criteria over the most recent four seasons.