Premier League should boycott Club World Cup, says Carragher

FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced plans for an expansion of the Club World Cup. During a press conference on Friday, the FIFA boss explained how the competition will balloon to 32 teams in 2025. Also, it takes place every four years.

“The first edition will take place in 2025 in the summer,” stated Infantino. “During that slot where in the past we used to have the Confederations Cup and it will be slightly longer because obviously there are 32 teams.”

“But they will be the best teams in the world. They will be invited to participate. All of the details will be developed in due course, and we’ll decide where it will take place as well over the next few weeks or months in consultation with all of the stakeholders.”

“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.”

New format would quadruple involved teams

The current Club World Cup typically features seven teams from around the world. Qualifying clubs come from the winners of the six FIFA confederations, as well as a host. The next Club World Cup tournament begins in February. Abu Dhabi is the host, as it was last time around.

New plans for the Club World Cup did not excite everyone. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher took to Twitter to voice his concerns of the revised format of the Club World Cup on the Premier League. The former Liverpool defender said that the world’s governing body of the sport is treating players like cattle.

“Like the ridiculous idea of the World Cup every two years, this is another one from Infantino,” claimed Carragher. “Players need rest at some point, they are getting treated like cattle. FIFA hate the Champions League & want something similar themselves. European clubs should boycott it.”

Premier League and Club World Cup fill up calendar

The unpopular decision, however, is not exactly surprising. FIFA is expanding their 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 off. Injuries and burnouts will continue to be a major concern in the sport.

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