FIFA's massive Club World Cup expansion plans are in disarray as questions linger over broadcast rights and players threatening to go on strike.
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FIFA wants a revamped CWC to be held in June 2025Struggling to find broadcasters, venues and sponsorsPlayers' unions have already slapped a lawsuit against FIFAWHAT HAPPENED?
With just nine months remaining until the tournament’s scheduled start in June 2025, several critical issues remain unresolved. These challenges have raised questions about the tournament's viability, with concerns over broadcasting rights, venue selection, and player participation putting FIFA in a precarious position.
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One of the most pressing concerns is the lack of broadcasting deals. According to FIFA initially entered discussions with Apple to secure a global streaming partnership for the Club World Cup. However, the deal fell through, leaving the organisation scrambling to find alternatives. FIFA launched an international tender in July 2024 to attract broadcast sponsors for both the 2025 and 2029 editions of the tournament. Despite this, no bids were submitted by the recent deadline for several major markets, including the Americas, Asia, the Middle East and the MENA region. In response, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has scheduled an emergency meeting with global television executives to spark interest in broadcasting the tournament. But his efforts have not yet yielded results.
FIFA CAN'T LAND A SPONSOR
In addition to the broadcasting dilemma, FIFA has encountered difficulties in attracting sponsors for the 2025 tournament. Sponsors, like broadcasters, are hesitant due to the uncertainty surrounding the venues and training bases, which have yet to be announced. Without these critical details, potential sponsors are unable to gauge the level of exposure and value they would receive from the tournament. FIFA is believed to be pinning its hopes on Saudi Arabia as they hope Riyadh will extend its interest in hosting the club competition.
FINANCIAL REVENUE TO CLUBS UNDECIDED
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti stated that the revenue FIFA was offering clubs for the entire tournament was equivalent to what some of these teams earn from a single match.
"One of our games is worth twenty million euros, FIFA wants to give us that amount for the entire tournament", Carlo Ancelotti told in early June. "FIFA can forget about it, players and clubs will not participate in that tournament".
However, the manager later clarified that his remarks were misunderstood. Still, though, the clubs still do not have a definite answer from FIFA as to how the governing body intends to generate sufficient revenue to make the competition attractive.
