FIFA is stepping up the pace in the final push for the new Club World Cup to be staged in the United States next summer. According to The Athletic's Adam Crafton, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has promised global broadcasters that details of the tournament's venue will be unveiled at the end of September. The decision has undoubtedly brought a sense of urgency to preparations for the tournament, with time pressures multiplying especially for those teams negotiating with stadiums and cities across the United States.
Infantino's recent interactions with broadcasters have been frequent and designed to inspire enthusiasm and confidence in the new Club World Cup. Convincing broadcasters of the value of the tournament is crucial, given FIFA's need for huge television revenues. Nonetheless, broadcasters remain wary of broadcasting costs, scheduling conflicts, the new format and the uncertainty surrounding the teams.
The broadcasters' concerns are not unfounded, with the Club World Cup fixtures overlapping with major tournaments such as the Women's Europa League and the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, potentially affecting viewer choice. Meanwhile, the failure of high-profile clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona and Milan to qualify, as well as the pending participation of Riyadh Victory, where Cairo plays, and Miami International, where Lionel Messi is playing, have exacerbated broadcasters' concerns.
The success or failure of the new Club World Cup, a 32-team soccer extravaganza, will depend on organization and execution. 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 provide more information before the December draw.
Notably, the president of the European Club Association and Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser joined the call with Infantino to express his expectations for the new Club World Cup. These clubs expect comparable returns to the Champions League from the reformed tournament, which will boost the tournament's commercial value.
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 undoubtedly bring anticipation and comfort to broadcasters and fans around the world.
