FIFA announces special transfer window for Club World Cup-bound African quartet

Football's governing body, FIFA, announced on Wednesday that all 20 Member Associations whose clubs will participate in the expanded competition have confirmed the opening of the exceptional registration window.

"The objective is to encourage clubs and players whose contracts are expiring to find an appropriate solution to facilitate the players' participation." read a statement on the FIFA website.

"This will ensure that the best players will be playing, allowing clubs to add new recruits even during the tournament."

The initiative will add more excitement globally, as fans look forward to seeing their teams integrate new stars into their squads at the revitalized FIFA Club World Cup.

Africa's four participating teams - Mamelodi Sundowns, Wydad Athletic, Al Ahly and Esperance - will look to make history by becoming the first African team to win the tournament, with only TP Mazembe (2010) and Raja Casablanca (2013) ever previously reached the final.

The tournament is set to kick off on 14 June in Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, 14 June, with the final set to be hosted at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, 13 July.