DBasia.news – Andrea Agnelli, President of ECA (European Club Association), said that some Europe’s top clubs opposed the idea of FIFA to change the format of the Club World Cup. No half-hearted, they are ready to boycott the tournament.
A few days ago, FIFA revealed plans to change the format of the Club World Cup. They want to increase the number of participants to 24 clubs.
That change will take place from the 2021 edition of the Club World Cup. The time also changes from the end of the year to mid-year.
The European Club Association expressly rejected changes to the Club World Cup. At least two ECA officials, Andrea Agnelli and Ed Woodward, were reluctant to follow FIFA’s changes.
“We reject changes at the Club World Cup. There will be no ECA clubs taking part in the competition. Changes can disrupt the current competition,” said Andrea Agnelli.
“ECA is reluctant to make influential changes in competition for the long term. Some principles conflict with us at this time,” he continued.
Ed Woodward agreed with Andrea Agnelli. According to him, changes occur too quickly and claim to have communicated with UEFA.
“ECA is firmly opposed to changes in the Club World Cup. We have had positive discussions with UEFA some time ago,” said Ed Woodward.
“We hope the best teams can participate. However, it is our responsibility to make large-scale decisions within two years,” he continued.