Chapecoense Accept Barcelona's Invitation to Play 2017 Joan Gamper Trophy

Brazilian club Chapecoense, who lost 19 players in an air crash on November 28, have accepted Barcelona's invitation to participate in the 2017 Joan Gamper Trophy.

On Friday, Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte (h/t football reporter Paulo Freitas) reported Chapecoense had responded positively to the invitation:

Club president Ivan Tozzo told RAC1 (h/t Sport): "It's a huge happiness for us, and we thank FC Barcelona for inviting us. It will be a huge privilege and pleasure to come to play in Europe."

The Blaugrana released a statement in which they extended the invite to the pre-season friendly competition via their official website on Thursday: "FC Barcelona has agreed to invite to the next edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy the Brazilian team Chapecoense, who were the victims of the tragic plane crash when on the way to play the final of the Copa Sudamericana in Colombia on 28 November."

Barcelona added they also aim to "collaborate on the institutional and sporting reconstruction" of Chapecoense.

Per the Press Association (h/t the Guardian), 19 Chapecoense players and a number of club officials were among the 71 people who died in the crash.

Barca paid tribute to the club during Saturday's Clasico, per Fox Soccer:

Chapecoense were awarded the Copa Sudamericana at the request of their would-be opponents in the final, Atletico Nacional—marking the first continental honour in their history.

Meanwhile, a number of fellow Brazilian clubs have offered free loans of their players and sought to have them protected from relegation for three years.

The Joan Gamper Trophy has been held annually since 1966, with several Brazilian clubs having participated in the past. Internacional are the only team from outside of Europe to have won it.