As FIFA gears up for the final push towards next summer's new Club World Cup in the U.S., The Athletic's Adam Crafton has revealed that President Gianni Infantino has assured broadcasters across the globe that specifics of the tournament's venues will be unveiled by the end of September. This is certainly a wake-up call for preparations for the tournament, especially for those teams who are pressed for time and need to negotiate with US venues and cities.
Infantino's frequent exchanges with broadcasters are aimed at boosting their confidence and interest in the new Club World Cup. Given that FIFA needs huge television revenues to support the tournament, convincing broadcasters of the tournament's value has become crucial. However, broadcasters are still wary of the uncertainty surrounding the valuation of fees, scheduling conflicts, the new format and the number of teams competing in the tournament.
Broadcasters are particularly concerned that the Club World Cup schedule overlaps with events such as the Women's Europa League and the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, potentially distracting viewers. The doubts of broadcasters are compounded by the presence of big-name clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona and Milan, as well as Riyadh Victory, where Crowe plays, and Messi's undecided Miami International entry.
The success or failure of the new Club World Cup, a 32-team extravaganza, depends on the organization and execution of the tournament. While the dust has yet to settle on key elements such as venues, training bases, sponsors and broadcasters, FIFA has promised to announce the venues within a few weeks and plans to release more information before the December draw.
Significantly, Nasser, president of the European Club Association and president of Paris Saint-Germain, also expressed to Infantino the expectations of Europe's big clubs for the new Club World Cup. These clubs are hoping for returns comparable to those of the Champions League from the reformed tournament, which demands a higher commercial value from the event.
At this critical time of both challenge and opportunity, FIFA must quickly resolve the issues plaguing the tournament to ensure the smooth running and success of the new Club World Cup. The timely announcement of the venue has certainly brought a sense of anticipation and comfort to broadcasters and fans around the world.
