FIFA is nervously deploying the Club World Cup in the United States for the coming summer. According to The Athletic's Adam Crafton, President Gianni Infantino has assured broadcasters around the world that specific information about the tournament's venue will be revealed by the end of September. The decision has certainly brought a sense of urgency to the preparations for the tournament, especially for the teams that will have to come to an agreement with stadiums and cities across the U.S. in a short period of time.
Infantino has been in constant communication with broadcasters recently in an effort to boost their interest and confidence in the new Club World Cup. Given that FIFA is looking for high TV revenues to support the tournament, convincing broadcasters of the tournament's value is crucial. But broadcasters remain wary, due to disagreements over broadcasting costs, scheduling conflicts with other major sporting events, and uncertainty over the new format and teams.
Broadcasters are particularly concerned that the Club World Cup's schedule coincides with important events such as the Women's Europa League and the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, potentially affecting viewers' viewing choices. This is compounded by the fact that high-profile clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona and Milan, as well as Cairo's Riyadh Victory, have not yet qualified, and the participation of Lionel Messi's Miami International is still unclear.
As a 32-team soccer event, the success of the new Club World Cup will depend on its organization and execution. While key elements such as venues, training bases, sponsors and broadcasters have yet to be finalized, FIFA has promised to announce the venues within a few weeks and plans to release more information before the draw in December.
Significantly, Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser, as president of the European Club Association, also spoke with Infantino to express the expectations of Europe's big clubs for the new Club World Cup. These clubs are generally looking to match the returns from the reformed tournament with the UEFA Champions League, which demands a higher commercial value from the tournament.
Against a backdrop of both challenges and opportunities, FIFA must quickly resolve the issues that have plagued the organization of the tournament to ensure the smooth running and success of the new Club World Cup. The timely announcement of the venue will undoubtedly bring a sense of anticipation and comfort to broadcasters and fans around the world.
