FIFA is in full swing with busy preparations for the upcoming Club World Cup in the U.S. The Athletic's Adam Crafton has broken the news that FIFA President Gianni Infantino has assured broadcasters across the globe that details of the tournament's venues will be unveiled by the end of September. This has undoubtedly heightened the tension surrounding the tournament, especially for teams that must quickly negotiate with U.S. stadiums and cities.
Infantino has been actively engaging with broadcasters recently in an effort to boost their enthusiasm and confidence in the new Club World Cup. Given FIFA's urgent need to support the tournament with television revenues, convincing broadcasters of the tournament's value is crucial. However, broadcasters remain cautious about the current situation, with key concerns including differences in broadcast cost estimates, scheduling conflicts with major sporting events, and uncertainty about the new format and teams.
Broadcasters are particularly concerned about the overlap of the Club World Cup schedule with important events such as the Women's Euro and Wimbledon, which could interfere with viewers' viewing choices. In addition, the uncertainty of the participation of well-known clubs such as Manchester United and Arsenal, as well as Riyadh Victory, where Cairo plays, and Miami International, where Lionel Messi plays, has further aggravated broadcasters' concerns.
The success of the new Club World Cup, a 32-team soccer event, depends on the level of organization and execution. While key information such as venues, training bases, sponsors and broadcasters are still unknown, FIFA has promised to announce the venues within a few weeks and plans to release further information ahead of the December draw.
It is noteworthy that Nasser, the president of the European Club Association and president of Paris Saint-Germain, also communicated with the FIFA president, expressing his expectations and concerns about the new Club World Cup. The European giants hope to get a return from this tournament reform that matches the Champions League, which puts a higher standard on the commercial value of the tournament.
In the face of a series of challenges and opportunities, FIFA must quickly resolve the various issues plaguing the organization of the tournament to ensure that the Club World Cup is held smoothly and successfully. The timely release of venue information will provide broadcasters and fans around the world with real expectations and peace of mind.
