The first goal of the competition was scored by Real Madrid's Nicolas Anelka against Al-Nassr.Unfortunately due to the effects of the coronavirus and a congested football schedule, this expanded tournament did not go ahead, and may happen in 2025. This new format would feature 24 teams, and would include all UEFA Champions League winners, UEFA Champions League runners-up, Europa League winners and Copa Libertadores winners from the four seasons up to and including the year of the event, with the remainder qualifying from the other four confederations. Therefore, this is an opportunity to delve further into club soccer and market its tournament as another ‘World Cup’ to potentially rival UEFA’s Champions League, which has dominated the club scene for decades.A new tournament format was planned to start in 2021, and would from then on be held every four years instead of annually. The main idea behind FIFA’s new format is financial gain, as the World Cup is currently the only competition for which it generates huge income. Whilst the idea of a Club World Cup may seem fascinating, many fans and ex-professionals have voiced their concerns about the impacts on player welfare and the trouble of fixture congestion. The potential viewership and worldwide recognition would translate into financial gains for such clubs in lesser leagues and contribute to making world soccer more competitive, as well as aiding in development and giving players a stronger platform than the current format does. Therefore, selling such a concept to fans, clubs, and players may not be as straightforward as FIFA is anticipating.ĭespite these concerns, the new Club World Cup could provide teams and players from continents outside of Europe a platform to showcase their talent on the world stage and make a name for themselves. This would be especially evident in Europe, with many fans likely to still be more interested in UEFA club competitions. Real Madrid vs Al Hilal will not generate the same amount of interest and viewership as Spain vs Saudi Arabia, for example. The Club World Cup is unlikely to offer the same level of entertainment as a World Cup, especially when big clubs and lesser teams face off. However, as it will only feature quadrennially, the tournament will not be burdening the international calendar, Infantino claims.Īnother concern is whether fans will be interested in such a competition, as the Club World Cup for many in Europe falls well below a domestic league title or a Champions League trophy in terms of importance. This is likely to clash with domestic leagues around the world, with the current scheduling already compact.Īdditional fixture congestion will only increase the risk of player injuries and worsen player welfare in the process, which will negatively impact the general competitive balance. Therefore, the tournament will last around four weeks with clubs potentially playing up to seven matches within this period. The new format appears very similar to how a World Cup is structured. Up to 12 European clubs could feature, along with seven or eight from South America, four each from Asia, Africa, and North America, and just one from Oceania. The granular details of the tournament and the qualification process, however, are yet to be publicized.Īccording to Forbes, club rankings and recent success within continental competitions could play a significant role in qualification. The new edition of the tournament will take place in June 2025 and occur every four years, with the FIFA president declaring that the best teams in the world will be invited to participate. However, the proposed competition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.įIFA’s new revised format, the brainchild of Infantino, will now include 32 teams, making the competition similar to the iconic FIFA World Cup. This would have featured eight teams from Europe, six from South America, three each from North America, Asia, and Africa, and one from Oceania. In 2019, FIFA confirmed plans for a new look Club World Cup to be staged in China in 2021, with 24 teams competing for the ‘world champions’ tag.
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