African giants Al Ahly said they will take part in the FIFA Club World Cup in February despite finishing as runners-up in the African Champions League last season, taking advantage of the selection of Morocco as the host country.
The Club World Cup regulations do not allow more than one club from the host country to participate in the annual tournament. Casablanca-based side Wydad will already take part as the reigning African champions.
Wydad won the Champions League after beating Ahly 2-0 in the final last May.
“The club has received a letter from FIFA confirming its participation in the Club World Cup,” Ahly said in a brief statement.
The Red Devils will make a third straight appearance in the seven-team tournament. They finished third in their previous two participations after winning back-to-back Champions League titles.
The Club World Cup will take place in Morocco from 1-11 February.
FIFA said earlier on Friday that an expanded 32-team edition of the tournament will be inaugurated in 2025.
