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·18 April 2024
As the sporting world turns its gaze towards the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup set to unfold across various venues in the United States next summer, the air is thick with anticipation and a hint of scepticism. FIFA’s latest brainchild, the expanded tournament, presents a novel challenge not only to the clubs but to the very commercial fabric of football.
Despite the grandeur associated with the Club World Cup, several of football’s titans from the European continent will notably miss out. Following a series of dramatic exits from the UEFA Champions League, clubs like Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, and AC Milan find themselves outside the guest list for next year’s tournament. The absence of such heavyweight names raises questions about the tournament’s allure and the impact on viewer engagement and sponsor interest.
“The Premier League is one of the few leagues that’s still able to command significant value and that’s been extended to the success of the Champions League,” explained Paolo Pescatore, founder and analyst at PP Foresight. “Everyone wants a bit of the action and, because of that, you have seen a huge inflow of money coming via sponsorships.”
The Club World Cup aims to be more than just a tournament; it’s envisioned as a celebration of football that brings together teams from every continent. However, the excitement might be tempered by the absence of star-studded line-ups. With iconic players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi nearing the twilight of their careers, and potentially out of the tournament, the draw for global fans could wane.
“By bringing in all those (extra) teams, you might get a few decent games, but it still has the feel of a pre-season tournament rather than a major event. It’s then not helped by the fact you’re missing three of the four biggest names in club football,” stated David Murray, a sports-rights consultant.
Despite the potential setbacks, FIFA President Gianni Infantino is optimistic about the future of the Club World Cup. “The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be a major milestone in providing clubs from all confederations with a fitting stage on which to shine at the highest level of the game,” Infantino declared last December. This tournament is not just a competition; it’s a part of FIFA’s broader strategy to globalize football, giving clubs from lesser-known regions a platform to compete against the giants of Europe and South America.
The restructuring of the Club World Cup comes at a time when the global football calendar is already packed, raising concerns about player welfare and team strategies. How top clubs balance the demand of competitive play with the need to maintain player fitness will be crucial. Additionally, the alignment of this tournament in the summer could conflict with major leagues like the MLS, which runs through the same period.
As the Club World Cup attempts to establish itself alongside the likes of the Champions League and Europa League, its success will likely hinge on the ability to attract top talent and maintain high competitive standards. While the absence of some of the most celebrated clubs might initially seem like a setback, it could also pave the way for new narratives and footballing heroes to emerge on the world stage.
In conclusion, while the Club World Cup seeks to broaden its appeal and significance within the global sports arena, its true impact will depend on how it evolves in response to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As we approach the 2025 tournament, all eyes will be on FIFA to see how this ambitious project unfolds.
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