FIFA has shifted the Club World Cup tournament from December to February, the Association has confirmed.

The decision is as a result of the coronavirus pandemic which has affected football seasons across the world although the venue, Qatar remains unchanged.

“The FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020, which was originally scheduled for December, has been subject to the disruptive effect of the pandemic on the confederations' continental club championships that serve as a pathway for the event,” the world governing body said in a statement.

“The introduction of strict return-to-play protocols has facilitated a successful resumption of continental club championships, the last of which is now scheduled to conclude by the end of January 2021.

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“As a result, the FIFA Club World Cup 2020 will now be held from February 1 to 11 2021, taking place in Qatar as per the original host appointment by the FIFA Council in June 2019.”

Liverpool holds the title after a 1-0 victory over Flamengo, scored by Roberto Firmino during extra time first half at the Khalifa International Stadium.

Bayern Munich are European representatives after their Champions League victory in Portugal.