FIFA, London: Chaired by President Joseph S. Blatter, the FIFA Executive Committee unanimously ratified the format for the 2005 Club World Championship at its meeting in London today – Sunday, 29 February – following the recommendation made by the relevant organising committee in Zurich on 19 February 2004.
This competition will therefore be held with the six winners from the continental club competitions playing a total of seven matches over a period of eight days. The continental champions from Europe and South America will not take part in the action until the semi-finals and will thus play two matches at the most.
The basic competition format will be as follows:
Day 1
Match 1 Continental champion A – Continental champion B
Match 2 Continental champion C – Continental champion D
Day 2 Rest Day
Day 3 Rest Day
Day 4 Rest Day
Day 5
Match 3 Winner match 1 – Europe or South America continental champion (semi-final 1)
Match 4 Winner match 2 – Europe or South America continental champion (semi-final 2)
Day 6 Rest Day
Day 7
Match 5 Loser match 1 – Loser match 2 (= play-off for 5th place)
Match 6 Loser match 3 – Loser match 4 (= play-off for 3rd place)
Day 8
Match 7 Winner match 3 – Winner match 4 (= final)
Other details such as the time and place have yet to be decided and will be subject to further discussion.
The Executive Committee also ratified the Emergency Committee’s decision on 9 January 2004 to suspend the association of Guatemala. However, at the same time, it temporarily lifted the suspension and will revert to the matter at its next meeting in Paris on 17 May. In this connection, it was also decided that FIFA and CONCACAF should recognise only José Mauricio Caballeros, the President of Fedefut, as the person responsible for the association’s international affairs. The sphere of responsibility will include the Guatemala national team’s participation in international competitions, particularly the FIFA World CupTM, the participation of Guatemalan club teams in CONCACAF’s club competitions, managing financial aid from FIFA, issuing international transfer certificates etc. The Executive Committee also resolved to appoint three members who will oversee continuity in the management of Guatemala’s national football affairs alongside the General Secretary of Fedefut elected in September 2003.
Furthermore, the executive body:
– Approved with satisfaction the positive financial balance of a surplus of CHF 141 mio. for 2003.
– Consented to sign the agreement between FIFA and WADA (World Antidoping Agency) at the Congress in Paris on 20/21 May, provided the amendments negotiated between the two Presidents on 28 January 2004 (individual case management and other points) are applied.
– Decided that if Gibraltar officially applied for membership, it could not be admitted as a member according to the FIFA Statutes.
– Ratified the Emergency Committee’s decision to bring forward the dates for the FIFA Futsal World Championship in Chinese Taipei to 22 November – 12 December 2004.
– Confirmed that the official opening of the 2006 FIFA World CupTM would be held immediately before the opening game in Munich Stadium on 9 June. The 2006 FIFA Ordinary Congress would also be staged in Munich before the tournament.
The Executive Committee also noted the status of the commercial activities of Marketing & TV AG, details of the programme for FIFA’s Centennial festivities as well as the programme fixed for 14 and 15 May when the foundation stone for the new headquarters “The Home of FIFA” will be laid in Zurich and the executive will decide on the host for the 2010 FIFA World CupTM.
Furthermore, the members were briefed on the status quo of preparations for the Olympic Football Tournaments in Athens (11-29 August), the U-19 Women’s World Championship in Thailand (10-27 November) and the Futsal World Championship later this year.
Before the meeting, the Executive Committee observed a minute’s silence in honour of former UEFA President and FIFA honorary member Jacques Georges, who died last week, as well as for other recently deceased football personalities.