FIFA PLAN to go ahead with a new world club championship despite concern from within the game about overcrowded fixture lists.

Sepp Blatter, general secretary of the game's world governing body, has revealed plans for the first tournament to be held in July 1999. The competition would be held every two years and eight clubs will be involved including the champions of each of the six continents and the host country's champions.

Meanwhile, FIFA have also said that they want professional referees in place by the year 2000. Last week FIFA discussed proposals to set up a pension fund for referees in a bid to stamp out corruption in the game.