Club World Cup Final Highlights: Chelsea’s Triumph, FIFA’s Success, and Trump’s Influence – DW Recap (07/13/2025)

FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently declared the start of a “golden era” for global club football. Speaking at Trump Tower in New York, he praised the recent FIFA Club World Cup, calling it a tremendous success.

This year, the tournament has brought Infantino and Donald Trump closer together. As the World Cup approaches, which will take place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico next year, many believe Trump will leverage the event to amplify his message. Infantino acknowledged Trump’s love for the game, emphasizing the importance of government support for competitions like the Club World Cup.

The recent final showcased Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who scored twice, helping his team overpower Paris Saint-Germain. Chelsea won the match decisively, leaving PSG frustrated.

### Financial Success

For Infantino, the financial success of the tournament is a primary measure of achievement. FIFA reported revenues soaring over $2 billion, with average earnings of $33 million per match. Chelsea will pocket $40 million from their final win, while PSG will receive $30 million, along with their share of a $1 billion prize pool. FIFA also promised a $250 million solidarity payment to support club football worldwide.

However, some critics argue that the tournament highlights growing disparities in football. Jürgen Klopp, head coach of Liverpool, voiced concerns about the heavy financial incentives not benefiting all clubs. He pointed out the congested schedules, noting the lack of recovery time for players. Similar worries about player well-being echoed throughout the tournament as players battled fatigue and extreme heat during matches.

### The Heat Factor

The oppressive conditions during games exacerbated player exhaustion. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez described feeling dizzy due to the heat, while Borussia Dortmund’s coach compared the tournament’s conditions to being in a “sauna.” Although FIFA has promised to use air-conditioned stadiums for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, only a few venues currently offer such facilities.

### Focus on Player Welfare

In response to growing concerns about player welfare, FIFA has announced several new measures. A mandatory 72-hour gap between matches and a three-week rest period during the off-season are now in effect, thanks in part to advocacy from FIFPRO, the global players’ union. This shift indicates a growing recognition of the players’ need for recovery amidst intense schedules and travel.

While Chelsea celebrated their victory, Infantino was likely pleased as he envisioned the future of football, especially with the World Cup on the horizon. His partnership with Trump may amplify football’s spotlight even further.

In conclusion, while the Club World Cup has brought significant financial gains and exciting matches, ongoing discussions around player welfare and the inequalities in football remain crucial topics. For fans and players alike, the excitement continues as the World Cup draws near.



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