FIFA gave the go ahead yesterday to a "mini" World Cup to be contested every two years by continental champions. It also confirmed that Saudi Mabin will host the first Confederations Cup in December next year.

Eight national teams will take part in the competition which will consist of two groups of four with the winners of each group meeting in the final.

The likely participants of the first competition will Uruguay, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, the as yet unknown Asian champions, and either European champions Germany or the Czech Republic.