FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently declared that the Club World Cup is the “most successful club competition in the world,” despite facing criticism. Infantino, who has been in charge of FIFA since 2016, proudly stated that the tournament has made over $2 billion in revenue, averaging $33 million per match.
Yet, not everyone shares his enthusiasm. Recently, former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp called the tournament “the worst idea ever implemented in football.” Critiques have emerged over low attendance, with millions of empty seats at games. Players like Jude Bellingham and Reece James have pointed out challenges like extreme weather and poor pitch quality during the matches held in the United States. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez even noted that the heat could be “very dangerous” for players.
Even though Infantino acknowledges there are both positives and negatives to the event, he maintains that it has been a major success. He highlighted that over 2.5 million people attended the matches, averaging around 40,000 spectators per game. This figure is impressive, especially for neutral stadiums where home team support isn’t a factor.
The financial success of the tournament adds another layer to the discussion. A recent report by Deloitte revealed that the global sports market is expected to reach over $600 billion by 2025. This places the Club World Cup in a competitive landscape where it stands out financially. However, attendance and player welfare issues remain significant concerns that may impact its reputation going forward.
The mix of opinions reflects a broader conversation about how football evolves and the balance between profit and player experience. As the tournament adapts, it will be interesting to see how FIFA addresses these challenges and maintains its newfound success.
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