Fifa Club World Cup: Chelsea will compete in the competition this week in the United Arab Emirates with the chance to be crowned world champions, but fans may worry if it will hurt their chances at home.
Because of their travel to Abu Dhabi, the European champions have had two Premier League games postponed, which could add to their fixture congestion when they return.
Chelsea will play Al Hilal in the semi-final on Wednesday, just four days after their FA Cup extra-time victory over Plymouth.
However, research reveals that the four previous English teams that have competed in the Club World Cup in its present configuration (since 2005) have not experienced any repercussions upon their return.
They’ve all won at least one trophy, and their final league place has never been worse than their starting position.
After winning the Club World Cup, Manchester United in 2008-09 and Liverpool in 2019-20 both won the Premier League crowns (with United also winning the League Cup).
Liverpool won the FA Cup in 2005-06 and Chelsea won the Europa League in 2012-13, despite both teams losing in the final.
Furthermore, upon their return to England, all four players won their first Premier League game.
Liverpool (2005-06 – lost final)
Position before leaving: Third (12 points off top)
Final position: Third (nine points off top)
Cups: Won FA Cup, Champions League last 16, already out of League Cup
Days of Premier League games either side: 10-26 December
Dates of Fifa Club World Cup games: 15, 18 December (Japan)
Man Utd (2008-09 – won final)
Position before leaving: Third (six points off top)
Final position: Champions
Cups: Won League Cup, Champions League finalists, FA Cup semi-finals
Days of Premier League games either side: 13-26 December
Dates of Fifa Club World Cup games: 18, 21 December (Japan)
Chelsea (2012-13, lost final)
Position before leaving: Third (10 points off top)
Final position: Third (14 points off top)
Cups: Won Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup semi-finals
Days of Premier League games either side: 8-23 December
Dates of Fifa Club World Cup games: 13, 16 December (Japan)
Liverpool (2019-20, won final)
Position before leaving: Top
Final position: Champions
Cups: Champions League last 16, FA Cup fifth round, League Cup quarter-finals (played at same time as Club World Cup)
Days of Premier League games either side: 14-26 December
Dates of Fifa Club World Cup games: 18, 21 December (Qatar)
Chelsea (2021-22)
Position before leaving: 3rd
Cups: In Champions League last 16, FA Cup fifth round, League Cup final
Days of Premier League games either side: 23 January-19 February
Dates of Fifa Club World Cup games: 9, 12 February (Abu Dhabi)
FIFA Club World Cup: What Is It and How It Works?
THE CLUB WORLD CUP is an annual tournament in which the champions of each continent’s major championship compete in a “champions of champions” style event.
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The holders of the UEFA Champions League participate against teams from Asia, Africa, North and Central America, the Caribbean, and South America, as well as a team nominated by the Oceania confederation and the national champions of the host country, the United Arab Emirates, at the Club World Cup.
In 2022, who will compete in the Club World Cup?
Chelsea‘s opponents will be determined by the results of earlier rounds of play, with only Brazilian club Palmeiras assured a semi-final berth. Al Jazira Club (UAE), Pirae (Tahiti), Al Ahly (Egypt), Monterrey (Mexico), and Al Hilal (UAE) are also competing (Saudi Arabia).
When and where will the Club World Cup be held?
This year’s competition will take place from the 3rd to the 12th of February in Abu Dhabi. Chelsea’s season begins on February 9th.
Who has won Club World Cup champion?
- Real Madrid 4 (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
- Barcelona 3 (2009, 2011, 2015)
- Bayern München 2 (2013, 2021)
- Corinthians 2 (2000, 2012)
- AC Milan 1 (2007)
- Internacional 1 (2006)
- Internazionale Milano 1 (2010)
- Liverpool 1 (2019)
- Manchester United 1 (2008)
- São Paulo 1 (2005)
Which nations’ teams are most successful at the Club World Cup?
- Spain 7
- Brazil 4
- England, Germany, Italy – 2
Who has won the most overall world club titles?*
- Real Madrid 7 (1960, 1998, 2002; 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
- AC Milan 4 (1969, 1989, 1990; 2007)
- Bayern München 4 (1976, 2001; 2013, 2021)
- Barcelona 3 (2009, 2011, 2015)
- Boca Juniors 3 (1977, 2000, 2003)
- Internazionale Milano 3 (1964, 1965; 2010)
- Nacional 3 (1971, 1980, 1988)
- Peñarol 3 (1961, 1966, 1982)
- São Paulo 3 (1992, 1993; 2005)
*European/South American Cup plus FIFA Club World Cup
