Soccer-European clubs reiterate refusal to play in 2021 Club World Cup

The umbrella organisation representing more than 200 European clubs reiterated on Tuesday that its members would not take part in FIFA's planned 2021 Club World Cup under current circumstances. However, the European Club Association (ECA) said it would contemplate changing its position if FIFA sat down and discussed changes to the international match calendar.

"We are not willing to participate in this competition at this moment in time because of the congested calendar," ECA chairman Andrea Agnelli told reporters. "Having said this, we are more than available to discuss changes for the future." Agnelli also denied that the ECA has proposed playing Champions League matches at weekend from 2024 onwards, when the present format is due to be altered. (Writing by Brian Homewood Editing by Christian Radnedge)