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FIFA have announced that Japan will be hosting the annual FIFA Club World Cup in 2015 and 2016. Having hosted the tournament back in 2012, the club competition is back in the Asian country and this year’s edition will take place from 10th to 20th December.
FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke confirmed the news and pointed out Japan’s experience and history in hosting major football tournaments as the reason behind choosing them as the host nation.
Valcke said, “This (Japan) is a country with a proven track record when it comes to staging FIFA events, including six editions of the FIFA Club World Cup, which were all successful. We know it will be a superb setting once again for this annual competition with good-sized crowds and a wonderful atmosphere.
“The popularity and profile of the competition continues to build each year and this is sure to continue with the huge support shown within Japan.”
President of Japan Football Association (JFA), Kuniya Daini, ensured that they will host the competition successfully. He also added that this gives them an opportunity to see each participating country’s football culture.
Daini pronounced, “It is a valuable opportunity for both players and fans to witness the world trends in club football. Not only does this competition bring exciting and entertaining football, it also gives us an insight into each participating country’s club culture and the respective domestic leagues.
“Together with FIFA, we will do our utmost to ensure the success of this competition. It will be an important experience for us as we look forward to hosting other major sporting events including the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
The host cities for the annual tournament will be decided in due course. Japan have hosted the tournament 6 times previously including four times in a row between 2005 and 2008.
The last time Japan hosted the Club World Cup, Brazilian club, SC Corinthians lifted the coveted trophy. Real Madrid are the defending champions, having won the tournament in Morocco last year.
