FIFA President Gianni Infantino  Photo: IC

FIFA has awarded the inaugural edition of its expanded 24-team Club World Cup to China, the association's president ­Gianni Infantino said Thursday in what he called a "historic decision."

The move underlines China's growing clout in soccer and could be a precursor to the country eventually hosting the World Cup proper.

Infantino made the announcement after a meeting in Shanghai of the FIFA Council, the decision-making unit of soccer's world governing body.

It will mean many of the biggest club teams in soccer - and their array of stars - descending on China in two years' time. 

Infantino confirmed that China was the only country being considered.

"It is a historic decision for football," he said. 

"It will be a competition which every person, every child and everyone who loves football is looking forward to."

The current Club World Cup features seven teams including the holders of the UEFA Champions League. Qatar will host the competition this year and in 2020.

The Gulf state will use the two tournaments as logistical tests for stadiums and infrastructure ahead of the 2022 edition of the World Cup, FIFA's flagship international competition.

The plan for a revamped 24-team Club World Cup starting in June-July 2021 was approved at a FIFA Council meeting in Miami in March despite opposition from UEFA and the powerful European Club Association.

Infantino said Thursday that tournament would include eight teams from Europe.

The tournament will take place every four years and replaces the Confederations Cup, an international competition that acted as a test event for countries hosting a World Cup.