Chapecoense to be named Copa Sudamericana champions after plane crash disaster

ByEurosport

Updated 04/12/2016 at 13:37 GMT

Chapecoense will be posthumously crowned Copa Sudamericana champions after the plane crash that saw 19 of their playing squad perish on their way to face Atletico Nacional in the final of this year's tournament.

Atletico had asked the South American Football Federation (CONMEBOL) if Chapecoense could be awarded the title of honorary champions, the South American equivalent of European football's Europa League.

71 people on board the flight to Colombia died on November 28 when the plane ran out of fuel before going down over the Medellin mountains.

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"Conmebol have testified that they will crown Chapecoense as champions of the Copa Sudamericana," interim club president Ivan Tozzo told Brazilian newspaper Globo.

We are receiving support from all federations. The CBF, Conmebol, FIFA, and especially the people of Chapecó. Right now we are beginning to rebuild the team. People want football, people love football in Chapecó.

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

Chelsea's Brazilian players Willian and David Luiz paid their own tribute to remember the plane crash that killedthe Chapecoense players and staff travelling on the flight.

Chelsea's Brazilian duo displayed black armbands with the words #ForçaChape on them to celebrate Willian's goal against Manchester City.

Only three players have so far survived the crash: defenders Alan Ruschel, Helio Zemper Neto and goalkeeper Jakson Follmann. All three were in intensive care due to the extent of their injuries.

Manchester City wore t-shirts with the Chapecoense badge and the message on the back "Manchester is with you" before their match with Chelsea in the Premier League.

There was a minute's silence observed at the Etihad Stadium for the victims of the tragedy, scenes that were replicated at football matches around the globe.

As they look to rebuild the shattered club, Chapecoense will not be relegated from Brazil's top division for three seasons because of the disaster.

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