Chelsea plays in the competition later this month

channel-4

Channel 4 has won the rights to broadcast the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021.

Chelsea is representing UEFA in the competition, following its Champions League victory last season. It is joined by Brazilian side Palmeiras, Saudi Arabian team Al Hilal, Al Ahly from Egypt, Mexican outfit Monterrey, Tahitian team AS Pirae, and hosts Al Jazira, of the UAE.

Chelsea has played in the competition once before, in 2012, when then manager Rafael Benitez’s side lost to Corinthians in the final despite being strong favourites.

This time round, the Blues are again favourites and will face either Al Hilal, Al Jazira, or AS Pirae in the semi-final, which will be shown on E4 at 4pm on Wednesday 9 February.

If the London side win that game, the 2021 final will be live on Channel 4 from 4pm on Saturday, 12 February. A highlights programme will then be shown in the evening of 12 February, also on Channel 4.

Channel 4 head of sport Pete Andrews said: “This is one of the few major honours to have eluded Chelsea so it’d be great if they can make history live on Channel 4. We’re delighted to be bringing top-flight football live on free to air terrestrial television, let’s just hope The Blues can go all the way.”

If Chelsea fall into the 3rd/4th place playoff, that will be live on E4 from 12.45pm on Saturday, 12th February, and if Chelsea were to not even make the playoff, the match will be shown on 4Seven.

This rights acquisition builds on recent sports coups from Channel 4, including the rights to air all Formula E races and show ten Super League matches-a-season in partnership with Sky.