FIFA to change Club World Cup schedule after withdrawal of Auckland City

World football governing body FIFA has announced that Qatar’s Khalifa International Stadium will no longer be used during the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2020™ as a result of the weekend withdrawal of Auckland City FC.

FIFA has adapted the competition’s match schedule after the New Zealand authorities advised that in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and related quarantine measures required, the club will be unable to participate in the already rescheduled tournament.

Commenting on Auckland FC’s withdrawal, FIFA advised “despite (our) regular exchanges with the club, New Zealand Football and the Oceania Football Confederation, the requirements of the New Zealand authorities in relation to isolation and quarantine go beyond FIFA’s remit and, therefore, it was not possible to reach a solution.”

Khalifa International Stadium was originally due to host two games but will no longer be used, with matches to now be staged at Education City Stadium and Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium (also known as Al Rayyan Stadium) will stage the first match on 4th February, with the Education City Stadium to host the final on 11th February. The tournament will be contested by Al-Duhail SC, Al Ahly SC, Bayern Munich, Ulsan Hyundai FC, Tigres UANL and the winners of CONMEBOL’s Copa Libertadores, the final of which will take place on 30th January.

Local team Al-Duhail SC will move directly to the second round following Auckland City’s withdrawal.

FIFA, together with the Qatari authorities, has advised that comprehensive medical and security protocols will be implemented to protect the health and safety of everyone involved in the competition.

Attendees will be required to present either a negative COVID-19 antigen test, a positive COVID-19 antibodies test or record of a full vaccination.

Fans will be required to wear a mask at stadiums and the surrounding precincts, as well as adhere to social distancing, undergo temperature checks on arrival and show the status of their Ehteraz track and trace application. Clinics will also be set up within each tournament venue to treat anyone with COVID-19 symptoms.

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Image shows the recently completed Al Rayyan Stadium.