FIFA is stepping up its game and making intense preparations for next summer's new Club World Cup in the United States. According to revelations by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has made a promise to global broadcasters that specific information on the tournament's venues will be revealed by the end of September. The teaser is certainly a wake-up call for the tournament's preparations, with time running out for teams who need to strike deals with stadiums and cities across the U.S. in a short period of time.
Infantino has been interacting a lot with broadcasters lately, trying to boost their interest and confidence in the new Club World Cup. Given FIFA's desperate need for huge television revenues to support the tournament, it will be crucial to convince broadcasters of the value of the tournament. But broadcasters are currently wary of the idea, mainly because of differences in the valuation of broadcasting costs, scheduling conflicts with other major sporting events, and uncertainty about the new format and teams.
Broadcasters are particularly concerned that the Club World Cup schedule clashes with major tournaments such as the Women's Europa League and the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, potentially affecting viewer choice. In addition, the failure of high-profile clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona and Milan to qualify, as well as the unavailability of Riyadh Victory, where Crowe is based, and the uncertainty of Lionel Messi's Miami International entry, have exacerbated broadcasters' concerns.
The success or failure of the new Club World Cup, a 32-team soccer extravaganza, will depend on how well it is organized and executed. Although key elements such as venues, training bases, sponsors and broadcasters have yet to be finalized, FIFA has made it clear that it will announce the venues in a few weeks and plans to reveal more details before the December draw.
Notably, Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser, as president of the European Club Association, also spoke to Infantino on the phone to express the expectations of Europe's big clubs for the new Club World Cup. These clubs are generally hoping to earn comparable revenues to the Champions League from the reformed tournament, which would boost the tournament's commercial value.
At a time of challenges and opportunities, FIFA must quickly resolve the difficulties 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 anticipation and comfort to broadcasters and fans worldwide.
