FIFA is pulling out all the stops for next summer's Club World Cup in the United States. According to The Athletic's Adam Crafton, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has assured broadcasters around the world that specific information about the tournament's venues will be unveiled at the end of September. The decision has made preparations for the tournament seem even more intense, especially for those teams who have to negotiate with stadiums and cities across the US on short notice.
Infantino has been in frequent communication with broadcasters recently, trying to boost their enthusiasm and trust in the new Club World Cup. Convincing broadcasters of the value of the tournament is crucial, given the huge revenues FIFA expects to generate from television broadcasts to support the tournament. However, broadcasters are still having reservations, 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's schedule overlaps with important events such as the Women's Europa League and the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, which could affect viewer ratings. In addition, broadcasters' concerns are compounded by the fact that high-profile clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona and Milan are not participating in the tournament, and the qualifications of Riyadh Victory, where Cairo plays, and Miami International, where Lionel Messi plays, are yet to be clarified.
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. Although 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 December draw.
Notably, Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser, as president of the European Club Association, also spoke with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, expressing the expectations and concerns of Europe's big clubs about the Club World Cup. These clubs are generally looking for a return comparable to the Champions League from the reformed tournament, which places higher demands on the commercial value of the tournament.
In the face of both challenges and opportunities, FIFA needs to quickly resolve the problems in the organization of the tournament to ensure the smooth and successful holding of the new Club World Cup. The timely announcement of the venue will undoubtedly bring expectation and comfort to broadcasters and fans around the world.
