Not going to be held in Japan anymore, FIFA looking for alternative country. https://www.aucklandcityfc.com/news/1536/12/Update-on-FIFA-Club-World-Cup-2021/
New venue confirmed a few weeks ago as the UAE, and event pushed back to 'early 2022'. So no Xmas MIQ for ACFC. In fact by early 2022, they may miss having to do MIQ altogether upon return to NZ.
Risk being underdone though, playing months after their last competitive game in NZ. I guess they will try play Nix Ressies in some warmup games in NZ, once the Auckland border opens. WeeNix will be keen to keep their guys match fit through the summer, as some could be called into the first team squad over the A League season.
Edit - And looks like they will need a new coach for CWC.
Auckland City FC today confirmed that José Figueira will finish up as head coach at the conclusion of his contract this year. https://bit.ly/3o4MeNO
https://www.eurosport.com/football/chelsea-news-fifa-confirm-relocated-2021-club-world-cup-will-be-hosted-by-the-united-arab-emirates-i_sto8593376/story.shtml
Infantino also confirmed that all 211 member nations of the body would convene on December 20 for a global summit meeting and presentation about the "future of football".
"It was decided that the Club World Cup 2021 will be played in early 2022," Infantino said at a FIFA council meeting.
"The host will be the United Arab Emirates, the UAE, who have hosted this event already a few times."
Auckland City of New Zealand and Al Ahly, winners of the CAF Champions League, are the two other teams confirmed for the competition with Chelsea.