In a historic decision, FIFA has officially recognized Chelsea Football Club as the inaugural winners of the restructured FIFA Club World Cup, marking a significant shift in how past and present international club competitions are categorized.
The announcement comes as part of a broader revamp of the tournament’s legacy, with FIFA confirming that clubs who previously triumphed in the Intercontinental Cup the tournament held between 1960 and 2004 and contested by the champions of Europe and South America will no longer be referred to as Club World Cup winners. Instead, they will now be officially recognized as “Intercontinental Champions.”
This move redefines the lineage of global club football supremacy and positions Chelsea, who lifted the Club World Cup in 2025 after defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0, as the first officially sanctioned winners under FIFA’s global competition umbrella.
Why did FIFA change its decision about the Club World Cup?
The restructuring follows FIFA’s long-term vision to streamline its competitions and reflect the evolution of international club football. The original Intercontinental Cup, though prestigious, was not a FIFA-organized event. It was jointly held by UEFA and CONMEBOL and only featured two continental champions.
FIFA’s decision marks a new chapter in global club football, setting clearer boundaries between past and present tournaments. Chelsea’s recognition as the first official Club World Cup winner not only cements their place in football history but also redefines how international club success is measured.
What does this change mean to the past winners?
The winners of the previous format will be renamed to Intercontinental Champions.
As the competition moves into a more expansive and competitive era, the Blues’ 2025 victory will now stand as the foundational triumph in the Club World Cup’s official legacy.
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