FIFA is in the thick of planning a soccer extravaganza - the new Club World Cup, which will kick off in the United States next summer. President Gianni Infantino has assured global broadcasters that details of the tournament's venue will be revealed by the end of September, reports Adam Crafton of The Athletic. The decision has given a boost to the intense preparations for the tournament, which is particularly urgent for those teams negotiating with stadiums and cities across the US.
Infantino has been in frequent communication with broadcasters recently in an effort to increase their interest and confidence in the new Club World Cup. Convincing broadcasters of the value of the tournament will be crucial, given FIFA's desperate need for television revenue to support the tournament. But broadcasters are currently wary, with major concerns including disagreements over the valuation of broadcasting costs, the timing of the tournament conflicting with other major sporting events, and uncertainty over the new format and teams.
Broadcasters are particularly concerned about the clash of the Club World Cup schedule with events such as the Women's Europa League and the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, which could distract viewers. The failure of high-profile clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona and Milan to qualify, as well as the uncertainty surrounding the participation of Riyadh Victory, where Crowe plays, and Miami International, where Lionel Messi plays, have deepened broadcasters' doubts.
The success or failure of the new Club World Cup, a 32-team soccer event, will depend on the organization and execution of the tournament. While key factors such as venues, training bases, sponsors and broadcasters are yet to be finalized, FIFA has promised to announce the tournament venues within 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 with FIFA president Infantino to express his expectations for the new Club World Cup. Europe's big clubs are hoping to earn comparable revenues to the Champions League from the reformed tournament, which raises higher expectations for the tournament's commercial value.
In the face of challenges and opportunities, FIFA urgently needs to address the issues that have plagued the tournament to ensure the success of the new Club World Cup. The timely announcement of the venue will bring substantial anticipation and comfort to broadcasters and fans worldwide.
