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 made a commitment to global broadcasters that details of the tournament venue will be revealed by the end of September. The news has injected a sense of urgency into preparations for the tournament, especially for teams that will need to negotiate with stadiums and cities across the U.S. on short notice.
Infantino has been in frequent communication with broadcasters recently, aiming to boost their interest and confidence in the new Club World Cup. Convincing broadcasters of the value of the tournament is crucial as FIFA seeks huge television revenues to support its operations. However, broadcasters remain cautious, mainly due to differences in the valuation of broadcasting costs, the tournament's scheduling conflicts with other major sporting events, and uncertainty over the new format and the composition of the 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 choice. Broadcasters' concerns are compounded by the fact that high-profile clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona and Milan have not qualified, as well as Cairo's Riyadh-based Riyadh Victory and Lionel Messi's Miami-based Miami International, whose participation in the tournament is not yet known.
The success of the new Club World Cup, a 32-team soccer event, depends 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 made it clear that it will be announcing the venues in a few weeks and plans to release more information before the December draw.
It is worth noting that Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser, as president of the European Club Association, also spoke to Infantino to express his expectations and concerns about the new Club World Cup. These clubs are generally looking for a return comparable to that of the Champions League from the reformed tournament, which would increase the commercial value demanded by the event.
In the face of challenges and opportunities, FIFA needs to quickly resolve the problems that have plagued the organization of the tournament to ensure that the new Club World Cup is held smoothly and successfully. The timely announcement of the venue will undoubtedly bring real expectations and comfort to broadcasters and fans around the world.
