FIFA are set to postpone the Club World Cup until next year.
Chelsea were due to play in the prestigious mini tournament from December 9 to 19 as the reigning Champions League winners.
But Japan have already had to withdraw as hosts over safety concerns because of the state of the coronavirus pandemic in the country.
FIFA have yet to confirm an alternative host but are set to make a decision on when it will now take place at their next Council meeting on October 20.
It is likely to be switched until early 2022 but the dates have yet to be nailed down and Chelsea are still waiting to hear as originally they were due to miss several Premier League games to take part.
FIFA are yet to decide on the most likely venue but are committed to the tournament.
South Africa, Brazil and Qatar have all shown an interest but it is understood that discussions are still ongoing. Brazil are believed to have now withdrawn.
Liverpool won the trophy in Qatar in 2019 and therefore Chelsea would want to win the prestigious tournament to make a global statement.
FIFA had tried to keep it in the diary but with growing rates in Japan, they have played safe and put the clubs first.
