What is Fifa Club World Cup, which teams take part, when is it held and what TV channel is it on?
Everything you need to know about the inter-continental competition, as Fifa president Gianni Infantino looks to alter format
THE Fifa Club World Cup has been in the news in recent weeks regarding a potential shake-up.
But what is the tournament, who takes part and when is it held?
We run down all the details, including when the 2016 tournament will take place...
What is the Club World Cup?
THE Club World Cup is an annual competition, with the winners of each continent's major competition going head-to-head in a 'champions of champions' type event.
For example, Europe's representative will be the winner of the Champions League - with this year's entry coming in the form of Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid.
The winners of tournaments in Asia, South America, North America, Africa and Australasia will also take part.
It was founded in 2000, however, the format as we know it now came into effect in 2005.
Which teams play in the Club World Cup?
AS mentioned, the winners of each major continental competition compete.
Those include the Asian AFC Champions League, African CAF Champions League, North American CONCACAF Champions League, South American Copa Libertadores, Oceanian OFC Champions League and European Uefa Champions League.
The reigning champions are Barcelona, but this season Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Co will take on Auckland City, Mamelodi Sundowns, Atletico Nacional and Club America with the other competitors yet to be named.
La Liga giants Barca are also the most successful club to ever play in the tournament, winning three times over the past 16 years.
In previous years, England has seen Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea represent them on the world stage.
What TV channel is it on?
There is currently no UK television coverage of the Club World Cup.
When is the Club World Cup held?
THE Club World Cup is held every year in December, usually just before Christmas.
In 2016, the tournament will take place in Japan between December 8 and December 18.
This year, seven teams from seven continents will compete, including the 2015-16 Champions League winners - Real Madrid.
What is the future of the Club World Cup?
WHILE the tournament is seen as something of a hindrance across Europe due to the time of year it is held, when domestic fixtures are coming thick and fast, the future only looks bright for the tournament.
In November 2016, Fifa president Gianni Infantino suggested a radical expansion of the competition boosting entry number from just seven to 32.
On top of that, it is recommended the tournament be moved from December to June - with the changes potentially coming into effect in 2019.
On the move, Infantino said: “Today football is not just about Europe and South America, the world has changed and that’s why we need to make the Club World Cup more interesting for teams, and also for fans around the world.
