Uncomfortable Virtual Gathering
In September, a rather uncomfortable situation unfolded during a virtual gathering involving key figures from some of Europe’s top football clubs and FIFA. The meeting’s purpose was to attract interest from global broadcast networks for FIFA’s newly expanded Club World Cup, which lacked a broadcaster at that time — an issue that DAZN would eventually remedy. During the session, officials from Manchester City made presentations, while Bayern Munich and Juventus shared video submissions.
Atletico’s CEO Raises Concerns
However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when Atletico Madrid’s CEO, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, sought clarification from FIFA regarding the financial returns for his club’s participation. He highlighted that Atletico’s rivals, Real Madrid, were anticipating a windfall of over €100 million for their involvement in the competition. Observers noted that Gil Marin seemed unaware that broadcasters were tuned into the discussion, causing him to alter his stance quickly and express enthusiasm about Atletico’s entry into the tournament based in the United States. He underscored Atletico’s pride in representing La Liga alongside Real Madrid in this prestigious competition, which had significant marketing potential to enhance the club’s profile in the lucrative U.S. market.
Atletico’s Strategic Moves
Last November, a spokesperson from Atlético Madrid had already confirmed the club’s elite standing in Europe, especially after qualifying ahead of giants like Barcelona. Both Gil Marin and Atletico president Enrique Cerezo were seen at the Club World Cup draw held in Miami last December, presenting a strong front for the club. Given that Atletico shares ownership with U.S. investment manager Ares Management Corporation, successfully brandishing their image on American soil would likely augment the club’s valuation as they look to sell their majority stake in the future.
As part of their promotional efforts, Atletico established ‘Casa Atleti’, a vibrant hub in Los Angeles to engage fans during the group stage. This venue offered an array of activities, including a mini-museum showcasing club accolades and opportunities to meet Atletico legends, creating a festive atmosphere that emphasized their commitment to securing a foothold in the U.S. market.
“Every player is excited as we embark on this inaugural Club World Cup, and our aim is to claim victory,”
Cerezo declared during an event at Casa Atleti, expressing the magnitude of this tournament in Atletico’s history.
Innovative Initiatives and Challenges
Innovatively, Atletico even launched their first-ever “Supporters’ Club in outer space,” promoting a unique membership initiative that linked their club to the cosmos. The scheme was designed in collaboration with NASA designer Tim Gagnon, fostering a playful connection with fans while amplifying their visibility during the global tournament.
However, as the team commenced their U.S. journey, challenges quickly emerged. Their chosen accommodation at the Hotel Conrad was located within a curfew area imposed due to political protests regarding immigration policies, creating a distracting and tense environment as they prepared for their match against Paris Saint-Germain. Despite asserting their focus amidst the disturbances, Atletico struggled significantly during their encounter with PSG, suffering a shocking 4-0 defeat which some players attributed to the extreme heat and noise of the locale.
Disappointing Tournament Outcome
The setback devastated Atletico’s confidence, making their hopes of advancing in the group stage increasingly slim. Despite rebounding with a convincing 3-1 victory over Seattle Sounders, the pressure heightened when PSG’s surprising defeat by Botafogo altered the dynamics of qualification.
When Atletico faced Botafogo in their final group match, determination was evident, but subsequent events led to a frustrating conclusion where they managed only a narrow 1-0 win, insufficient to see them progress. Reflecting on the opportunity missed, coach Diego Simeone noted,
“Unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that our shortcomings against PSG critically impacted our chances,”
further lamenting the unfavorable officiating they received during the matches.
Financial Repercussions
Atletico Madrid’s early exit from the Club World Cup carries substantial financial repercussions, with anticipated earnings now reduced to roughly €30 million from FIFA, alongside meager prize money from their limited victories. The ambitions for growth and recognition that fueled their participation in the tournament ultimately dissolved, as the club missed the chance to showcase their talent in a high-stakes environment parsing it into a potential brand-building moment. Instead of cementing their legacy against the elite, Atletico’s foray into the Club World Cup felt more like a miscalculated endeavor than the blockbuster success they envisioned.
