FIFA is nervously laying out the plans for next summer's Club World Cup in the United States. President Gianni Infantino has assured global broadcasters that venue details will be unveiled by the end of September, reports Adam Crafton of The Athletic. The promise has injected a sense of urgency into the preparations for the tournament, especially for those teams negotiating with US stadiums and cities.
Infantino has been in frequent communication with broadcasters in an effort to boost interest and confidence in the new Club World Cup. Convincing broadcasters of the value of the tournament will be crucial, given FIFA's urgent need for huge television revenues to support the event. However, broadcasters remain wary of cost estimates, scheduling conflicts, and uncertainty over the new format and teams.
Broadcasters are particularly concerned that the Club World Cup schedule overlaps with events such as the Women's Europa League and Wimbledon Tennis Championships, which could affect viewer choice. Broadcasters' concerns have been exacerbated by the absence of high-profile clubs such as Manchester United and Arsenal, as well as the uncertainty surrounding the participation of Cairo's Riyadh Victory and Lionel Messi's Miami International.
The success or failure of the new Club World Cup, a 32-team soccer extravaganza, depends on organization and execution. While key elements such as venues, training bases, sponsors and broadcasters are still uncertain, FIFA has promised to announce venues within a few weeks and plans to release more information before the draw in December.
Notably, Nasser, president of the European Club Association and president of Paris Saint-Germain, spoke with Infantino and expressed his expectations for the new Club World Cup. These clubs are hoping for a return comparable to the Champions League from the reformed tournament, which will demand a higher commercial value for the event.
In the face of challenges and opportunities, FIFA will need to quickly address the organization of the tournament to ensure the smooth running of the Club World Cup. The timely announcement of the venue will bring anticipation and comfort to broadcasters and fans around the world.
