FIFA picks Morocco to host Club World Cup in February 2023
The Hindu
The 2023 FIFA Club World Cup will be one of the last seven-team editions for continental champions with an expanded 32-team tournament planned to start in 2025
Morocco was rewarded by FIFA on Friday with hosting rights for the next Club World Cup in February, with an expanded 32-team edition set to launch in 2025.
European champion Real Madrid, South American champion Flamengo and Seattle Sounders, the first CONCACAF Champions League winner from the United States, will play in the traditional seven-team tournament from Feb. 1-11.
After Morocco's inspiring run to the World Cup semifinals in Qatar, the country will now stage the next global football event in six weeks' time, FIFA's ruling council decided.
It will be one of the last seven-team editions for continental champions with an expanded, month-long tournament planned to start in 2025.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the intended change was “making it really like a World Cup.”
In Morocco, Casablanca should stage games with the city set to provide two teams in the 10-day competition, which features continental champions from each of the six confederations in world football.
Wydad won Africa's Champions League last season and also the Moroccan league. The place FIFA reserves for the host nation's domestic champion should revert to league runner-up Raja. Both teams are based in Casablanca, where the 67,000-seat Stade Mohammed V is the likely venue for some of the eight Club World Cup games.
Indian men bounce back with a 1-0 win against Germany, while women suffer third consecutive defeat against Spain.
India's cricket team faces challenges and opportunities in the Champions Trophy, with key players finding form and new strategies emerging.
Bihar's Soman Rana wins gold in men's shot put F57, overshadowing Paris Paralympic bronze medallist Hokata Sema.
Priyank Panchal's unbeaten century propels Gujarat towards overcoming Kerala's first-innings total in the Ranji Trophy semifinal.
Vidarbha dominates Ranji Trophy semifinal against Mumbai, inching closer to securing a spot in the final.
Former Mumbai cricket captain Milind Rege, known for his talent spotting and contributions to Mumbai cricket, passes away at 76.
Shardul Thakur joins Essex for County cricket debut, aiming to showcase his all-round skills for India's national team.
Mumbai Indians dominate Gujarat Giants with a 5-0 victory in the WPL, led by Nat Sciver-Brunt's impressive performance.
Indian women lost 3-4 to Spain, while the men were defeated 1-4 by Germany in FIH Pro League games.
Gulveer Singh, Indian distance runner, breaks records and aims for gold at Asian championships and World championships in 2025.
Azharuddeen shines with unbeaten 149 in Ranji Trophy semifinal, credits coach for new batting approach.
Wild card Manas Dhamne battles top seed Billy Harris in Pune Challenger, while other Indians fall in singles.
Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants in Women's Premier League with MI skipper Harmanpreet Kaur winning toss to bowl first.