FIFA is pressing ahead with final preparations for next summer's new Club World Cup in the United States. According to The Athletic's Adam Crafton, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has promised global broadcasters that specific information about the tournament's venue will be revealed at the end of September. This has certainly added a sense of urgency to the preparations for the tournament, especially for those negotiating teams who are pressed for time.
Infantino has been in frequent communication with broadcasters recently in an attempt to boost their interest and confidence in the new Club World Cup. Convincing broadcasters of the value of the tournament is crucial, given that FIFA expects to support the tournament through television revenues. However, broadcasters remain cautious, mainly due to differences in the valuation of 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 overlaps with major tournaments such as the Women's Europa League and the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, potentially influencing viewer choice. The failure of some high-profile clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona and Milan to qualify, as well as the absence of Riyadh Victory, where Crowe plays, and the uncertainty surrounding the participation of Miami International, where Lionel Messi plays, have added to the broadcasters' concerns.
The success or failure of the new Club World Cup, a 32-team soccer event, will depend on the organization and execution of the tournament. While key elements such as venues, training bases, sponsors and broadcasters have yet to be finalized, FIFA has promised to announce the tournament venues in a few weeks and plans to provide more information before the draw in December.
Notably, 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 hoping to receive comparable returns to the Champions League from the reformed tournament, which would increase the commercial value of the tournament.
In this period of both challenge and opportunity, 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 release of venue information will undoubtedly bring tangible expectations and comfort to broadcasters and fans around the world.
