FIFA Club World Cup: new cancellation or innovation and legacy?
SportsIn
November 19, 2024

FIFA’s ambitious project to transform the Club World Cup into a more lucrative and prestigious event continues to face numerous challenges with just seven months to go. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had promised that this competition, scheduled to run from June 15 to July 13, 2025, would be “an unforgettable celebration of football that will revolutionize club sport.” However, the enthusiasm of sponsors, broadcasters and participating clubs remains limited with just days to go before the draw for the tournament, scheduled for December 5. It bears a reasonable resemblance to when a similar tournament was cancelled in 2001.

AN AMBITIOUS VISION: MORE TEAMS AND MORE SPECTACLE

The new version of the tournament will include 32 teams, replacing the traditional seven-team format held since 2005. Infantino presented this format in 2016 with the aim of attracting more fans, sponsors and global broadcasting rights, with an expected revenue of US$4 billion. However, to date, only Hisense, a sponsor since the 2018 World Cup, has confirmed its participation, and bids for TV rights are far below initial expectations.

The tournament has also generated controversy over its selection criteria. Inter Miami, club of Lionel Messi and David Beckham, will participate as the host country’s representative despite not having won MLS, breaking with precedents set in previous editions.

CONCERNS OF CLUBS AND PLAYERS

While qualifying teams await concrete details, skepticism persists. Real Madrid, one of the participating clubs, has not included revenue from the tournament in its financial projections due to lack of clarity. Carlo Ancelotti, the team’s coach, went so far as to suggest that the club might not participate, although he was later corrected by a statement from the club itself.

In addition, the calendar represents a significant problem. European teams such as Real Madrid and Manchester City will have to compete in the middle of the summer, which could affect their pre-season tours and create disadvantages at the start of next season. On the other hand, clubs from South American and Asian leagues will have to abandon their domestic competitions in the middle of the season, which increases criticism of the competition’s global impact.

A FIFA GAMBLE

With a draw scheduled for December 5 in Miami and a trophy already presented, going backwards seems impossible for FIFA. However, parallels with the cancellation of the 2001 edition, due to sponsorship problems, fuel doubts about the tournament’s viability.

The success or failure of this revamped Club World Cup will not only define Infantino’s legacy, but could also reshape the landscape of club football. In the meantime, uncertainty remains the main protagonist.

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