FIFA president Gianni Infantino is touting the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup as the pinnacle of global club football, despite skepticism from critics and concern over its impact on player welfare. Speaking in New York ahead of the tournament final between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, Infantino declared the revamped format a resounding financial and sporting success.
A New Era for Club Football, Says Infantino
Infantino didn’t hold back in his praise for the first-ever 32-team edition of the FIFA Club World Cup, calling it “the most successful club competition in the world.” Despite widespread criticism surrounding the tournament’s intense schedule and the sweltering summer heat in the United States, the FIFA chief insisted the event marked the beginning of a “golden age” for the club game.
Speaking from FIFA’s newly inaugurated office at Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue, Infantino pointed to impressive financial figures as evidence of the tournament’s success. He revealed the event had generated close to $2.1 billion in revenue across 63 matches—averaging approximately $33 million per game. “No other club competition in the world comes close,” Infantino declared.
Fan Interest and Attendance: Mixed Reactions
While not all matches boasted packed stadiums, Infantino claimed satisfaction with overall attendance figures. He emphasized that the tournament had exceeded expectations in terms of fan engagement and insisted that the buzz around the event demonstrated a growing appetite for global club competitions.
Still, questions remain about long-term interest and sustainability, especially given the absence of some of Europe’s biggest names due to qualification rules. Infantino acknowledged he would have liked to see traditional powerhouses like Liverpool, Manchester United, and Barcelona in the mix—but reaffirmed the importance of maintaining competitive integrity.
Klopp’s Criticism and European Skepticism
Not everyone is on board with FIFA’s grand vision. Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp recently called the expanded Club World Cup “the worst idea ever implemented in football,” citing concerns over player burnout and scheduling overload. Infantino, however, brushed off the criticism, claiming that European opinion is far from unanimously negative.
“We shouldn’t say that the opinion of Europe is very bad—because it’s not true,” Infantino said. “All the teams who qualified and participated were happy. And even clubs that didn’t qualify have been inquiring about future opportunities.”
What’s Next for the Club World Cup?
Looking ahead, the next edition of the FIFA Club World Cup is scheduled for 2029. Infantino declined to confirm whether the tournament would become a biennial event or expand further in format or size. However, he expressed confidence in its lasting impact on the sport.
“We’ve created something new, something that’s here to stay, and something that’s reshaping club football around the world,” he concluded.
