Colombia plane crash: Chapecoense confirmed as Copa Sudamericana champions following tragic air crash disaster that killed 71

CHAPECOENSE have been crowned Copa Sudamericana champions following the tragic air disaster that killed 71 people.

The Brazilian side had a stunning run on route to the final before tragedy struck on their way to face opponents Atletico Nacional.

Chapecoense lost 19 of their players along with coaches, journalists and crew members as 71 people in total heartbreakingly lost their lives.

Following the incident, Atletico Nacional asked if the title could be handed to Chapecoense as a gesture which will also help the club out financially.

As a result the club will receive around £1.6million for being crowned champions, £790,000 for Recopa – Conmebol’s version of the European Super Cup, and £1.4m for being in the Group Stage of next year’s Libertadores.

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Brazilian clubs have promised to come together and help Chapecoense, who only made the Brazilian top tier in 2014,  rebuild by making them exempt from relegation for three seasons and offering to loan them players free of charge.

Samba legend Ronaldinho wants to help the club in some capacity and former Chelsea ace Eidur Gudjohnsen is relishing a potential reunion with him following his offer to play for Chapecoense.

Gudjohnsen posted on twitter: “Out of respect I would play for Chapecoense if they have a place for me! If not just to play with Ronaldinho again.”

Argentinian hero Juan Roman Riquelme has also declared his availability.