Champions League club forced to change name and adopt new badge by Fifa as announcement made

A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE club has been forced to change their name and adopt a new badge by Fifa.

The world’s governing football body today announced details for next summer’s first 32-team Club World Cup.

3

The historic tournament sees English duo Chelsea and Manchester City join a host of other top names in Thursday’s draw.

Taking place in Miami, Chelsea could be drawn against giants like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain.

While City risk landing tricky sides including Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

But Pep Guardiola’s defending champs could end up playing a side boasting a brand new name and badge.

READ MORE IN FOOTBALL

GO DUTCH

Ten Hag set to return with Champions League side - but only if old rival wants him

TURBO

Win a BMW M8 or £40,000 cash alternative from just 8p with our discount code

Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg are now officially being called FC Salzburg by Fifa.

The decision mirrors one taken by Uefa, allowing them to compete in the Champions League.

Uefa sponsorship regulations do not allow 'Red Bull' to be present on the club's name or crest for competition matches.

FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS

Similarly, Uefa does not recognise stadium sponsorships during its competitions.

Most read in Champions League

'MURDER' PROBE

Boy, 12, stabbed to death near school as teen arrested for murder

REVENGE STRIKE

Moment worker’s husband hits her boss with a SHOVEL after he 'told wife off'

NOWHERE TO RON

Disaster for Love Island’s Ronnie as ex lands in South Africa for All Stars

GRIM DEATH

Dad 'strangled son's girlfriend to death then bought custard slice from bakery'

This means that, for example, Arsenal's Emirates Stadium is simply called the 'Arsenal Stadium' during Uefa matches.

3

3

And Fifa have followed in the footsteps of the European governing body by also making Salzburg drop their Red Bull tag.

Indeed, the Austrian team’s badge has also changed.

Before it used to show two bulls competing under the words ‘Red Bull’.

But the wording has now been modified to just ‘FC’, while one of the bulls has been removed completely.

All eyes will now be on Thursday’s draw, which takes place in Miami.

Next summer’s tournament will be played in the USA and runs between June 15 and July 13.

Club World Cup draw pots

POT 1

• Man City

• Real Madrid

• Bayern Munich

• PSG

• Flamengo

• Palmeiras

• River Plate

• Fluminense

POT 2

• Chelsea

• Borussia Dortmund

• Inter Milan

• Porto

• Atletico Madrid

• Benfica

• Juventus

• FC Salzburg

POT 3

• Al Hilal

• Ulsan HD

• Al Ahly

• Wydad AC

• CF Monterrey

• Club Leon

• Boca Juniors

• Botafogo

POT 4

• Urawa Red Diamonds

• Al Ain

• Esperance Sportive de Tunisie

• Mamelodi Sundowns

• CF Pachuca

• Seattle Sounders

• Auckland City

• Inter Miami