Gianni Infantino and the controversial new exit on the Club World Cup

It's an open secret, but the Club World Cup will get a makeover in the coming months by presenting an XXL tournament with a total of 32 participating clubs from six continental confederations (UEFA, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, AFC, OFC and CAF). Among the teams contending for the final title, we find Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, FC Porto, Atlético de Madrid, Benfica, Juventus, PSG, RB Salzburg, Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, River Plate, Boca Juniors, Inter Miami, Al Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds, Ulsan, Al-Ain, Al-Ahly, Wydad, ES Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns, CF Monterrey, Seattle Sounders, Club Leon, Pachuca and Auckland. It will be necessary to add the future winner of the Copa Libertadores 2024. Indeed, the Club World Cup in its new form will take place next summer, from June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States. Unfortunately, some clubs have recently threatened to abandon the competition if FIFA is unable to guarantee the promised €800 million. Given the relations of President Gianni Infantino, the hypothesis of opening negotiations with Saudi Arabia is still being considered. In April, Riyadh energy giant Aramco became a global partner of FIFA. Sponsors could quickly become interested in this scenario.

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At the same time, the popular uproar continues within the various institutions of world Football. LaLiga, chaired by Javier Tebas, in collaboration with the European Leagues and the FIFPRO union, filed a complaint against FIFA with the European authorities for the saturation of matches in the new calendar, with the inclusion of the new Club World Cup : “I'm not sure it's going to happen. The economic issues do not seem to have been resolved to give the clubs what was promised to them. And if FIFA succeeds, it will have to explain how. They promised between 40 and 50 million euros to the major European clubs involved. Knowing that it does not have the money hoped for, that everyone is against this competition, FIFA should give it up. I hear what the players are saying. The Club World Cup not only hurts elite players, but everyone else. It affects two seasons, the one that ends and the one that begins. This endangers the physical and mental health of participants. And it affects the value of national competitions, which affects all players”he declared in an interview with The Team. President Gianni Infantino is being attacked from all sides, while leagues, federations, players, coaches, supporters and clubs are demanding concrete guarantees.

The Blind Naivety of Gianni Infantino

The draw for the new Club World Cup is getting closer and closer. The latter will take place on Thursday, December 5 at 7 p.m. French time. FIFA President and tournament creator Gianni Infantino spoke about the competition again during the Olé Sports Summit Argentina 2024. And despite the harsh attacks from Javier Tebas and the cries of warning from several players including Rodri, Dayot Upamecano, Pedri and Jules Koundé, Infantino remains optimistic, even though no broadcaster has yet bought the TV rights. “This tournament will be an innovative, inclusive and merit-based competition and will redefine how, when and where the champions of the only FIFA Club World Cup will be crowned. In fact, it will be a dream come true for everyone. Football fans, but also players. The idea of ​​a “World Cup” is something truly special. It goes beyond football. Next year's FIFA Club World Cup will bring the magic of national teams to the realm of club football», Yet insisted the director of the institution. As a reminder, Javier Tebas even wondered whether the FIFA Club World Cup would take place between June and July 2025 for economic reasons, while rumors continue to grow about the delay in the organization of the competition. Chinese electronics manufacturer Hisense is the first official partner of the 2025 Club World Cup, the International Football Federation (FIFA) announced on Wednesday. Financial details have not been disclosed but Hisense branded televisions will be visible during video assistance refereeing (VAR).

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Beyond that, the main players in the world of football are not necessarily keen on the idea of ​​competing in a new competition. A first complaint against FIFA was filed before the Brussels High Court by the UNFP, the PFA, the AIC and FIFPro Europe — respectively the French, English, Italian unions and the European service of the world union. A second complaint was then submitted on October 14 to the European Commission by the same unions mentioned above, to which must be added those of the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and La Liga: “This tournament will be the start of something historic, something that will change our sport for the better and for all future generations who will love it as much as we do. Additionally, we will invest profits in club football around the world, which for the first time will mean global solidarity for club football. FIFA will not keep a single cent. The opportunity to qualify for this tournament every four years will give clubs an incentive to plan and invest in the future», Promises Infantino with great fanfare. While this season is marked by numerous criticisms, alerts and strike threats, Gianni Infantino sticks his head in the sand and promises utopian football in the best of all worlds.