OFC President David Chung, FIFA vice-president and Chairman of the Organising Committee for the competition, expressed satisfaction with the work done by the hosts so far.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in the excellent organisation of this event,” he said. “Once again, Japan have proved that they are truly wonderful hosts. They have given FIFA and the clubs who have already arrived an incredibly warm welcome.
“I’m very much looking forward to the tournament kicking-off and would like to wish the best of luck to the seven teams who are taking part. I am sure that we will see extremely competitive matches.”
The champions of the six confederations (Guangzhou Evergrande FC – AFC, TP Mazembe – CAF, Club America – CONCACAF, River Plate – CONMEBOL, Auckland City FC – OFC and FC Barcelona – UEFA) and Sanfrecce Hiroshima (J.League winners) are all vying to be crowned world champions.
Japan has hosted seven of the previous 11 FIFA Club World Cups, although this year sees Osaka as a Host City for the first time, with four of the tournament’s eight games taking place at the Nagai Stadium.
In previous editions, matches have also been played at Tokyo’s National Stadium and the Toyota Stadium in Toyota City (Aichi Prefecture). The International Stadium Yokohama (Kangawa Prefecture) has hosted the final on each occasion, just as it will on 20 December.
Meanwhile, Daini Kuniya, the President of the Japan Football Association is convinced that the tournament will be a huge success.
“Japan has hosted this event many times in the past,” he said. “It is a great honour to welcome this prestigious event back to Japan and our Local Organising Committee members have been preparing with joy and pride.
“We will continue to work hard with FIFA and those involved in the competition so that football fans around the world will experience and enjoy a great tournament. We also wish everyone associated with participating clubs every success.”
OFC representatives Auckland City FC will open the tournament on Thursday against J-League champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima at 19h45 local.
For more on the world game visit www.fifa.com

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