FIFA is stepping up the pace and keeping busy for next summer's new Club World Cup in the United States. President Gianni Infantino has assured global broadcasters that venue details will be revealed at the end of September, reports Adam Crafton of The Athletic. The news came as a bolt out of the blue, putting pressure on the preparatory teams, especially those who are on a tight timetable to negotiate with U.S. venues and cities.
Infantino has been interacting frequently with broadcasters lately, trying to boost their enthusiasm and confidence in the new Club World Cup. Given that FIFA is in dire need of huge broadcast revenues to support the tournament, convincing broadcasters of the tournament's value is crucial. However, broadcasters remain wary of the high broadcasting costs, scheduling conflicts with other major sporting events, and the uncertainty of the new format and teams.
The broadcasters' biggest concern is that the Club World Cup schedule clashes with important events such as the Women's Europa League and the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, potentially distracting viewers. In addition, the absence of high-profile clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona and Milan, as well as the uncertainty surrounding the participation of Cairo's Riyadh Victory and Lionel Messi's Miami International, have exacerbated the broadcasters' misgivings.
The success or failure of the new Club World Cup, a footballing extravaganza with the top 32 competing for supremacy, will depend on organization and execution. While key elements such as venues, training bases, sponsors and broadcasters are yet to be finalized, FIFA has promised to announce the venues within a few weeks and plans to release more information before the draw in December.
Notably, Nasser, the president of the European Club Association and president of Paris Saint-Germain, has also communicated with Infantino about his expectations for the new Club World Cup. These clubs are eager to earn comparable revenues to the Champions League from the reformed tournament, which demands a higher level of commercial value from the tournament.
In the face of challenges and opportunities, FIFA will need to quickly resolve the organizational challenges to ensure the smooth and successful running of the new Club World Cup. The timely announcement of the venue will undoubtedly bring anticipation and comfort to broadcasters and fans around the world.
