Chelsea FC claim their first FIFA World Cup title with Kai Havertz scoring the winner from the penalty spot
Al Ahly SC claim bronze with their defeat of Al Hilal SFC
Mr Infantino praises UAE organisation and reflects on "real final"
The FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021™ concluded in Abu Dhabi with Chelsea FC crowned champions, thanks to a 2-1 win (after extra time) against SE Palmeiras at the Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium.
Kai Havertz’s 116th minute penalty provided the London club with their first global title after Al Ahly SC of Egypt had secured bronze with a 4-0 win over Al Hilal SFC of Saudi Arabia earlier in the day.
Dignitaries from UAE football, FIFA Council Members representing all six confederations, club delegates, FIFPRO President David Aganzo and a host of FIFA Legends, witnessed a tight and tense end to the tournament, in front of 32,871 fans.
“Palmeiras played very well and so did Chelsea,” said President Infantino. “It was a real final with everything that you could ask for with emotion, great fans, extra time, penalties [decisions], VAR: a great final that crowned a new champion and a great Palmeiras team as well."
The atmosphere at the Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium was electric throughout, with Palmeiras’ fans – who had travelled in their thousands from Sao Paulo in Brazil - in full voice from first to last whistle.
“I have to congratulate the UAE and Abu Dhabi,” Mr Infantino continued. “Everyone involved has done a fantastic job. All the teams felt welcome, fans from all over the world were here, the organisation was excellent – perfect – and everyone has enjoyed a great [FIFA] Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi.
FIFA President and guests watch Chelsea crowned FIFA Club World Cup champions
“It’s interesting to see that a club like Chelsea has so many nationalities whereas the Brazilians, the Egyptians and the Saudi club who finished second, third and fourth, had a lot of players from their own countries. Again, this brings possibilities, opportunities and inclusivity.
"We had fans making full stadiums from Brazil, England, Egypt and Saudi Arabia and this is what football is all about and we have to work together to make the tournament bigger and better and to give more people around the world the chance to enjoy a more inclusive [Club] World Cup.” The next FIFA competition of 2022 will be held in Costa Rica, with the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2022™ contested between 10-28 August.