Introduction
European and South American football powerhouses, including Real Madrid, are advocating for a shift to a biennial format for the newly structured Club World Cup, aiming to boost their financial gains. However, sources indicate that FIFA is not in agreement, viewing this proposition as impractical.
Current Discussions
No formal request for this change has yet been submitted, but discussions took place between top club executives and FIFA officials during the recent tournament held in the United States.
FIFA’s Position
Despite FIFA’s positive reception of the latest Club World Cup, they currently deem the possibility of hosting another tournament in just two years as “unfeasible,” with plans already in motion for the next edition, slated for 2029. This will be a major event, especially considering that FIFA allocated a staggering $1 billion to participating teams in the recent tournament. For instance, Real Madrid, which reached the semifinals, earned $82.5 million, and Chelsea, as champions, generated $114.6 million from their victory.
Challenges Ahead
Moreover, FIFA’s reluctance to schedule the Club World Cup every two years stems from potential conflicts with UEFA and the complexities of fitting such an event into an already congested football calendar. Looking ahead, FIFA is reportedly considering Qatar as a host for the 2029 tournament, thanks to its established infrastructure and funding—having previously hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, the expected timing in December is challenged by the region’s high temperatures during that season.
Criticism from Football Figures
Additionally, former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had previously expressed skepticism about participating in the recently restructured Club World Cup, criticizing the financial compensation offered by FIFA compared to the revenues generated from individual matches. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among other clubs, as expressed by LaLiga president Javier Tebas, who has voiced strong opposition to FIFA’s new competition format.
