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FIFA president Sepp Blatter has confirmed that the 2002 World Cup winners will have to qualify to defend their crown in 2006. "We've taken a historic decision," he said.
Blatter reasoned that the new system would allow the winners to play official matches in the lead-up to the finals, rather than friendlies.
He added: "The champion of Korea/Japan 2002 will not be automatically qualified. This is brand new."
The introduction of FIFA's unified calendar next year means that it would have been difficult for the champions to arrange friendly matches, as the dates of competitive matches – and friendlies – will be standardised worldwide.
The new calendar will change the Conmebol World Cup qualifying programme, which had consisted of 18 matches.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has confirmed that the 2002 World Cup winners will have to qualify to defend their crown in 2006. "We've taken a historic decision," he said.
Blatter reasoned that the new system would allow the winners to play official matches in the lead-up to the finals, rather than friendlies.
He added: "The champion of Korea/Japan 2002 will not be automatically qualified. This is brand new."
The introduction of FIFA's unified calendar next year means that it would have been difficult for the champions to arrange friendly matches, as the dates of competitive matches – and friendlies – will be standardised worldwide.
The new calendar will change the Conmebol World Cup qualifying programme, which had consisted of 18 matches.