Confederations Cup Football
The 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup will be its 10th edition, a quadrennial international men’s football tournament organised by FIFA. It will be held in Russia from 17 June to 2 July 2017, as a prelude to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Eight nations from six continents have been divided into two groups of four. Group A holds hosts Russia, Oceania New Zealand, Europe Champions Portugal and North America representative Mexico, while Group B has World Champions Germany, South America Champions Chile and Africa Champions Cameroon and Asia Champions Australia.
The sad and surprise absence is highest four times champions and World No. I Brazil. The reason is that there is no room for the defending champions as per by-laws of the tournament. Six continent champions, the world champions and the hosts are eligible to take part in the competition held once in every four years. The World Cup hosts are given the right to hold the Confederation Cup. Accordingly Russia earned the right to host both the international tournaments.
However, the tournament will lose much of its attraction and thrill in absence of Brazil, champions in 2013, 2009, 2005 and 1995.
Abdullah Akber
Dhaka
