FIFA said Auckland "had to reluctantly withdraw from the tournament'' because of the delayed reopening of New Zealand's borders due to the pandemic.
Pirae will join other continental champions, including Chelsea, Palmeiras and Ahly, at the tournament in the United Arab Emirates from Feb. 3-12.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: