CONFIRMED: Chapecoense will be awarded Copa Sudamericana

The Brazilian side's interim president Ivan Tozzo has announced that CONMEBOL will be granting the club the tournament title and prize money

Posted Sunday, December 04, 2016 by Goal.com

Chapecoense are to be crowned Copa Sudamericana champions, the club's interim president has announced.

Ivan Tozzo has revealed that CONMEBOL officials have confirmed that the title will be posthumously bestowed upon the Brazilian side in the wake of a tragic plane crash that cost the lives of 71 people on board – including 19 players.

"CONMEBOL have testified that they will crown Chapecoense as champions of the Copa Sudamericana," Tozzo told TV Globo.

"In addition, the club will receive the two million dollar prize. Everything is confirmed. I do not know if there will be a ceremony to receive the cup."

Tozzo was speaking at a memorial service held at the Arena Conda Stadium on Saturday to honour more than 50 victims – with thousands gathering to pay their respects inside and outside the ground to pay their respects.

CONEMEBOL have taken action after Atletico Nacional called for the prize to be awarded to their scheduled final opponents.

Support has poured into Chapeco from all over the world over recent days, and Tozzo has expressed his gratitude on behalf of everyone connected with the club.

He added: "We are receiving support from all federations. The CBF, CONMEBOL, FIFA, and especially the people of Chapeco.

"Right now we are beginning to rebuild the team. People want football, people love football in Chapeco.

"Therefore, we must continue this. Let's talk and do well, let the dust settle and rebuild the team for next year. "

Players, backroom staff and officials from the Brazilian club, as well as a number of journalists, were among those to lose their lives when the flight carrying them to the Copa Sudamericana final went down in Cerro Gordo, La Union.