The Brazilian club are set to be given the trophy
following a plane crash which killed 71 passengers, including many of
their players and staff
Chapecoense will be awarded the 2016 Copa Sudamericana title, according to reports from Globo Esporte.
The Brazilian club were travelling to Medellin to face Colombian side
Atletico Nacional in the first leg of the final when their plane
crashed, killing 71 and leaving six more passengers injured.
Following the tragedy, Atletico Nacional appealed to South American
football's governing body Conmebol, publishing a statement asking them
to "give the title of Copa Sudamericana to Chapecoense as an honorary
award for this great loss, and in posthumous homage to the victims of
the fatal accident that rocked our sport. For our part, and forever,
Chapecoense are champions of the 2016 Copa Sudamericana."
According to reports, Conmebol will respect their wishes and award
the trophy to Chapecoense. However, a final decision on the title will
likely not be made until December 21, when the Council of the Conmebol
(formerly Executive Committee) next meet.
On Wednesday, Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez discussed
Atletico Nacional's request, but said that he would have to discuss it
with his colleagues.
"It is very admirable, however, now is the time for us to get down to work," Dominguez told reporters.
"We will talk with the leaders in Brazil and Colombia as well as
Nacional's front office. I don't know much about it right now but the
gesture is honourable. I did not have time to review it yet. As soon as
we finish our meeting we will make a statement about this subject."
The decision would also mean that Chapecoense automatically qualify
for next season's Copa Libertadores, as well as the Supercopa
Euroamericana which would pit them against the winners of the Europa
League.
Awarding Chapecoense the trophy would be similar to the decision by
Serie A clubs to grant Torino the league title in 1948-49 after all
their players tragically died in a plane crash.
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