INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

South Africa intends to host the FIFA club Worldcup

Kenneth MUKISA

South African Football Association (SAFA) have expressed their interest in hosting the next edition of the FIFA club World cup.

It will not be the first time the rainbow nation are fronting themselves for the world’s biggest occasions after hosting the FIFA World cup 2010 successfully.

SAFA president Danny Jordaan revealed that the country have the ability and willingness to host the club world cup.

Japan was scheduled to host the 2021 CWC in December, but withdrew due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Asian nation fears a further rise in infections after already hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games earlier this year.

The CWC will this year feature UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea and the other continental club champions, such as Al Ahly of Egypt. The league champions from the host country are also given an entry.

“We’ll know our position by the end of the week,”

Said Jordaan.

SAFA now need to secure government approval before bidding.

South Africa has the facilities needed to host the CWC, but the country’s own Covid-19 situation could be a major stumbling block.

A surge in mid-year cases has tailed off, but stern restrictions still remain in place and no spectators have been allowed at sporting events since March of 2020.

FIFA had planned for an extended 24-team Club World Cup to take place for the first time this year in China but that was shelved because of the pandemic and the seven-team format was extended for another year.