Fifa Considers Expanding Club World cup to 48 Teams by 2029
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Breaking News: Fifa is reportedly in consultation to possibly expand the Club World Cup to feature 48 teams by 2029. This consideration follows concerns and lobbying from prominent clubs that did not secure a spot in the revamped 32-team tournament set to kick off this summer in the united States.
The move aims to accommodate more participants, especially from Europe, whose commercial strength isn’t fully reflected in the current format. The decision to potentially expand the Club World Cup signals a meaningful shift in Fifa’s approach to global club competitions.
Driving Forces Behind The Expansion
Several factors contribute to this potential expansion.Firstly, clubs that failed to qualify for the 32-team tournament have voiced concerns, especially given the lucrative financial incentives for participating teams.Secondly, fifas wants to align the club World Cup with the expanded formats of the men’s and women’s world Cups, both of which will feature 48 teams.
Barcelona, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Milan are among the major clubs with substantial global fan bases that did not qualify. Unless Fifa increases the cap of 12 European entrants,expansion appears to be the only viable route to ensure greater depiction from European powerhouses.
Financial Implications and Club Concerns
The revamped 32-team Club World Cup offers substantial financial rewards, with the winner potentially earning up to $125.8 Million (£93.2m) for playing seven matches. Though, this figure is still less than what top clubs like Paris Saint-Germain earn from winning the Uefa champions League, sparking discontent among those who missed out.
Did You Know? The prize money distribution in the Club World Cup has been a point of contention, with some clubs arguing it should be more aligned with the revenues generated by the tournament.
potential Format Changes
In addition to expanding the number of participating teams, another change being advocated, particularly by Premier League clubs, is increasing the limit on the number of clubs from one country. Currently, the cap stands at two, a restriction that prevented Liverpool from qualifying despite having one of the best champions League records among non-winning teams between 2021 and 2024.
Chelsea, Manchester City, and Real Madrid qualified as Champions League winners within that period. Nine European clubs qualified through Uefa rankings because Madrid won the competition twice, in 2022 and 2024.
Global Representation and Controversy
Fifa has waived the two-per-country limit for clubs that won their continental competition in the designated period, leading to Brazil having four clubs participating due to four successive Copa Libertadores victories. The united States has three clubs in the tournament after Los Angeles beat Mexican side Club América in a playoff.
However, expansion plans face resistance from Fifpro, the international players’ union, and European Leagues, who have filed a legal complaint to the European commission accusing Fifa of “abuse of dominance” over tournament scheduling. Fifa denies these allegations, setting the stage for a contentious debate over the future of the Club world Cup.
Dazn Deal and Saudi Investment
Dazn secured global TV rights for $1 billion, allowing it to sublicense to other broadcasters regionally. Channel 5 acquired the rights for 23 matches in the UK. the Dazn deal is bolstered by a 10% investment in the company by Saudi Arabia’s SURJ Sports Investment, with Saudi money further underpinning the tournament via the Public Investment Fund’s partnership.
Longtime Fifa sponsors Adidas, Coca-cola, and Visa have also joined as sponsors after initial hesitation. However, ticket sales have experienced mixed results.
Table: Key Qualifying Teams and Regions
| Region | Qualified Teams (Examples) |
|---|---|
| Europe | Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid |
| South America | Four Brazilian Clubs (Copa Libertadores Winners) |
| North America | Los Angeles, club América |
The Future of Club Football: What’s at Stake?
The potential expansion of the Club World Cup is more than just a numbers game. It reflects an ongoing power struggle within global football, balancing commercial interests, competitive balance, and player welfare. As Fifa navigates these complex dynamics, the decisions made will shape the landscape of club football for years to come.
Pro Tip: keep an eye on developments regarding the legal complaint filed by Fifpro and European Leagues, as it could significantly impact the future structure and scheduling of major football tournaments.
frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Fifa considering expanding the Club world Cup?
- Fifa is considering expansion due to lobbying from clubs that did not qualify for the current format, and to align with the expansion of the men’s and women’s World cups.
- When might the expanded Club World Cup take place?
- If approved, the expanded 48-team Club World Cup could debut in 2029.
- Which major clubs missed out on qualifying for the current Club World Cup?
- Notable clubs like Barcelona, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Milan did not qualify for the upcoming tournament.
- How much will the winning team receive in the 32-team Club World Cup?
- The winner of the 32-team competition stands to gain up to $125.8 Million in participation and prize money.
- What are some of the concerns regarding the current Club World Cup format?
- Some clubs worry that the prize money is less than what is offered in competitions like the Uefa Champions league.
- What changes might Premier League clubs be pushing for in future Club World Cups?
- Premier League clubs may push for increasing the cap of two clubs from one country, a restriction that led to Liverpool missing out despite meeting one of the qualifying criteria.
What are your thoughts on the potential expansion of the Club World Cup? will it benefit global football, or create further challenges?
Share your opinion in the comments below!
