Chapecoense, the team who lost 19 of their playing squad in the Colombia plane crash, will be posthumously crowned Copa Sudamericana champions.

Atletico Nacional, who were due to play Chapecoense in the first leg of their final the day after the plane crash, had asked the South American Football Federation (CONMEBOL) if the Brazilian club could be made honorary champions.

Air Force troops carry a coffin of one of the plane crash victims credit: Getty Images

71 people died when a chartered plane carrying members of the Brazilian team crashed into the Medellin mountains after running out of fuel.

Now the interim CONMEBOL president has confirmed the grief-stricken club will be named Copa Sudamerican champions.

"CONMEBOL have testified that they will crown Chapecoense as champions of the Copa Sudamericana," said interim president, Ivan Tozzo.

Trucks carry coffins containing the members of the Chapecoense team who died credit: Getty Images

"We are receiving support from all federations. The CBF, CONMEBOL, FIFA, and especially the people of Chapecó.

"Right now we are beginning to rebuild the team. People want football, people love football in Chapecó.

"Therefore, we must continue this. Let's talk and do well, let the dust settle and rebuild the team for next year."

The move comes as the footballing community continues to mourn the tragic loss of life.

A candle is burned in honour of the victims of the plane crash credit: EPA

According to reports, all Brazilian clubs have agreed to loan Chapecoense players to help the team survive in future seasons, while former South American stars Ronaldinho and Juan Riquelme have offered to come out of retirement to offer their services.

Over 100,000 mourners gathered at the club's stadium on Saturday to pay their respects to the 19 players who lost their lives in the crash.

Brazil's David Luiz and Willian pay tribute to the victims of the plane crash credit: Reuters

A mass was held in the centre of the pitch as fans sang club anthems and wept while holding candles in the stands.

Clubs across Europe paid their own tributes to the players who were killed in the disaster, with minute silences being observed throughout the Premier League.

Brazilian internationals David Luiz and Willian held black armbands containing the team's name aloft after Chelsea scored their second goal in Saturday's victory over Manchester City.