By Mukwuzi Joseph

Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign later this year will now be relocated after Japan pulled out of hosting the tournament.

After beating Manchester City in the ChampionsLeague final and then Sevilla in the Super Cup, Thomas Tuchel’s side were set to take part in the Club World Cup in Japan in December.

However, this will now be re-arranged due to the tournament’s hosts, Japan, being unable to accommodate the competition due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Fifa can confirm that it has been informed today by the Japan Football Association (JFA) that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and hosting situation in the country, they are no longer in a position to host the Fifa Club World Cup 2021,” a statement from Fifa read.

“Fifa would like to thank the JFA for their work and commitment and looks forward to going back to Japan in the future.

“Further details about an alternative host for the Fifa Club World Cup 2021 will be announced by Fifa in due course.”

Chelsea are one of three teams who have currently qualified for the tournament, along with Egyptian side Al Ahly and Auckland City of New Zealand.

There have been reports that the competition may now be moved to Qatar – who have hosted it for the past two years.

As hosts of next year’s World Cup, the Club World Cup could be used as preparation for that.

Chelsea will be looking to follow in Liverpool’s footsteps after their success in this tournament in 2019.