FIFA is gearing up for next summer's new Club World Cup in the United States. According to The Athletic's Adam Crafton, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has promised global broadcasters that details of the tournament's venue will be revealed by the end of September. This has certainly added a sense of urgency to the preparations for the tournament, especially for those teams that have opened negotiations with stadiums and cities across the United States.
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, given that FIFA is in dire need of television revenues to support its operations. However, broadcasters remain cautious, mainly due to differences in the valuation of broadcasting costs, scheduling conflicts with other major sporting events, and uncertainty over the new format and composition of the teams.
Of particular concern to broadcasters is the fact that the Club World Cup schedule overlaps with major tournaments such as the Women's Europa League and the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, potentially affecting viewers' viewing choices. In addition, broadcasters' concerns are further exacerbated by the uncertainty surrounding the participation of high-profile clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona and Milan, as well as Riyadh Victory, where Crowe plays, and Miami International, where Lionel Messi is playing.
The success of the new Club World Cup, a 32-team soccer extravaganza, will depend on the level of organization and execution of the tournament. Although key elements such as venues, training bases, sponsors and broadcasters have yet to be finalized, FIFA has made it clear that it will be announcing the venues within a few weeks and plans to make further announcements before the December draw.
It is worth noting that Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser, as president of the European Club Association, also spoke with Infantino to express his expectations and concerns about the new Club World Cup. These clubs are generally hoping to receive comparable returns to the Champions League from this reformed tournament, which will further increase the commercial value of the tournament.
With this series of challenges and opportunities, FIFA needs to resolve the issues that have plagued the organization of the tournament as soon as possible to ensure the smooth running and success of the new Club World Cup. The timely announcement of the venue will bring tangible expectations and comfort to broadcasters and fans around the world.
