FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced plans for an expansion of the Club World Cup. During a press conference on Friday, the FIFA chief explained how the competition will increase to 32 teams by 2025. Furthermore, it is held every four years.
“The first edition will take place in 2025 in the summer,” Infantino said. “During that gap where in the past we used to have the Confederations Cup and it will be a little bit longer because obviously there are 32 teams.”
“But they will be the best teams in the world. They will be invited to participate. All the details will be worked out in due course, and we will also decide where it will take place over the next few weeks or months in consultation with all interested parties.”
“Of course, the details of that still need to be discussed and agreed, but the 32-team tournament will go ahead, making it really like a World Cup.”
The new format would quadruple the teams involved
The current Club World Cup usually features seven teams from around the world. The qualified clubs come from the winners of the six FIFA confederations, as well as one host. The next Club World Cup begins in February. Abu Dhabi is the host, as it was last time.
The new plans for the Club World Cup did not excite everyone. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher took to Twitter to voice his concerns about the revised Club World Cup format in the Premier League. The former Liverpool defender said the sport’s world governing body is treating the players like cattle.
“Like the ridiculous idea of the World Cup every two years, this is another one from Infantino,” Carragher said. “The players need to rest at some point, they are being treated like cattle. FIFA hates the Champions League and wants something similar. European clubs should boycott it.”
Premier League and Club World Cup fill calendar
The unpopular decision, however, is not exactly surprising. FIFA is expanding its tournaments and even creating new competitions. The organization is also expanding the World Cup, and Infantino revealed plans for a “FIFA World Series” as well. This is another competition during international breaks between confederations.
With the expansion of current tournaments and the addition of new ones, players now have very little time on their hands. Injuries and burnout will continue to be a big concern in the sport.
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