FIFA is working non-stop to deploy the Club World Cup in the United States next summer. According to The Athletic's Adam Crafton, President Gianni Infantino has assured broadcasters around the world that venue specifics will be revealed well in advance of the end of September. The news has certainly added to the tense atmosphere of the preparations, especially for those teams that have to negotiate with US stadiums and cities in a short period of time.
Infantino has been in frequent communication with broadcasters in an effort to boost their interest and confidence in the new Club World Cup. Convincing broadcasters of the value of the tournament is crucial, as FIFA is in dire need of huge television revenues to support its operations. However, broadcasters remain cautious at the moment, 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 schedule coincides with major tournaments such as the Women's Europa League and the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, which could affect viewer ratings. Meanwhile, the absence of well-known clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona and Milan, as well as the absence of Riyadh Victory, where Crowe is playing, and the uncertainty of the status of Miami International, where Lionel Messi is playing, have added to the broadcasters' concerns.
The success or failure of the new Club World Cup, a 32-team soccer extravaganza, 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 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, also spoke with Infantino and expressed his expectations and concerns about the new Club World Cup. These clubs generally expect to earn comparable revenues to the Champions League from the reformed tournament, which raises higher expectations for the commercial value of the event.
Against a backdrop of both challenges and opportunities, FIFA is in dire need of resolving various difficulties in the organization of the tournament in order to ensure a smooth and successful Club World Cup. The timely announcement of the venue will undoubtedly bring a substantial amount of anticipation and peace of mind to broadcasters and fans around the world.
