Chapecoense awarded Copa Sudamericana trophy in emotional scenes as stricken Brazilian club make their first three signings
The football club lost most of their playing staff when the plane they were flying on for the final crashed in Colombia
CHAPECOENSE have been awarded the Copa Sudamericana trophy in emotional scenes.
The Brazilian side were flying out to take on Atletico Nacional in the first leg of the final when the plane they were on crashed in Colombia on November 28.
A total of 71 people were killed, including most of the playing squad and staff.
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Their scheduled opponents Atletico agreed that Chapecoense be awarded the championship, and at the draw for the Copa Libertadores, new president Plinio David de Nes Filho lifted the trophy.
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Speaking on stage, "I would like to thank everyone, all the nations.
"But let me, in a very special way, a very tender and grateful way, on behalf of our club, Chape, to share the trophy we just received with the one who gave us this possibility, with their gesture of humanity and respect. Of dignity and demonstration of kindness."
In a true act of solidarity, de Nes Filho was joined on stage by Atletico's representative Daniel Jiminez, and the two embraced.
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Chapecoense have been drawn in Group Seven, alongside Uruguayan side Nacional, Argentina's Lanus and Venezuelan team Zulia in the Copa Libertadores.
Meanwhile, the stricken club have made their first two signings following the tragedy.
Dodo has signed on loan from Atletico Mineiro, as well as Juventude goalkeeper Elias and Douglas Grolli from Cruzeiro.
It has recently been announced that Brazil will play a friendly match against Colombia to raise funds for the stricken Chapecoense football club.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has announced a benefit game between Brazil and Colombia on January 25, the same day Chapecoense play their first game since the air crash that prompted the friendly.