FIFA is secretly preparing a soccer extravaganza for next summer - the new Club World Cup in the United States. According to The Athletic's Adam Crafton, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has assured global broadcasters that the venue will be revealed by the end of September. The decision has made preparations urgent, especially for the participating teams who are eager to negotiate with stadiums and cities across the United States.
Infantino has been busy talking to broadcasters in an attempt to boost their enthusiasm for the new Club World Cup. Considering that FIFA needs a lot of TV revenue to support the tournament, it is crucial to convince broadcasters of the value of the tournament. However, broadcasters remain wary of high broadcasting costs, scheduling conflicts with other major sporting events, and uncertainty over the new format and teams.
Broadcasters are also 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 distracting viewers. Broadcasters' concerns are compounded by the failure of high-profile clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona and Milan to qualify, as well as the pending qualification of Riyadh Victory, where Cairo plays, and Miami International, where Lionel Messi is playing.
The success or failure of the new Club World Cup, a 32-team soccer event, depends on the organization and execution of the tournament. Although 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 disclose more information before the December draw.
It is worth noting that Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser, as president of the European Club Association, also expressed to Infantino the expectations of Europe's big clubs for the new Club World Cup. These clubs are eager to reap the rewards of a reformed tournament comparable to the Champions League, which demands a higher level of commercial value from the tournament.
In the face of challenges and opportunities, FIFA must quickly resolve the problems in 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 bring a sense of anticipation and comfort to broadcasters and fans around the world.
