The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) have confirmed that Chapecoense are champions of Copa Sudamericana 2016. The honour was posthumously bestowed upon the Brazilian team at the request of opponents Atletico Nacional following the Colombia plane crash that killed 71 people on board a week ago.  Atletico Nacional have been given a Fair Play award to acknowledge their “spirit of peace, understanding and fair play. They also received $1m while Chapecoense were given the $2m in prize money.
 
“CONMEBOL have testified that they will crown Chapecoense as champions of the Copa Sudamericana. We are receiving support from all federations. The CBF, CONMEBOL, FIFA, and especially the people of Chapeco.
“Right now we are beginning to rebuild the team. People want football, people love football in Chapeco.
“Therefore, we must continue this. Let’s talk and do well, let the dust settle and rebuild the team for next year.”
“Atletico Nacional have invited CONMEBOL to deliver the Copa Sudamericana title to the Chapecoense Football Association as an honour for their great loss and in posthumous homage to the victims of the tragic accident that has our sport in mourning.
“For us, and forever, Chapecoense shall be the Copa Sudamericana champions for 2016.” Chapecoense interim president Ivan Tozzo, said in a statement.