In the wake of a financially successful Club World Cup, Real Madrid and several other elite clubs across Europe and South America are pushing for a radical change. These soccer giants have made an unusual request: they want FIFA’s new Club World Cup to be held every two years. While the financial incentive behind the proposal is evident, FIFA’s response has now been revealed, and it’s not the answer these clubs were hoping for.
The revamped Club World Cup, held in the United States, was widely considered a success both on and off the pitch. With 32 teams participating, the competition saw fierce action and record-breaking earnings.
FIFA distributed an astonishing $1 billion among participating clubs. Chelsea, the tournament’s winner, earned a whopping $114.6 million, while Real Madrid, which reached the semi-finals, walked away with $82.5 million. These figures are unprecedented in the world of club competitions and have sparked interest from several stakeholders to make the tournament a more regular affair.
According to ESPN, “Several club executives discussed the idea of a biennial Club World Cup with FIFA representatives during the last tournament in the United States.” Although no official proposal has been submitted, the intent from clubs is clear: more tournaments, more money.
FIFA reportedly delivers firm response
Despite the enthusiasm from clubs, FIFA has pushed back strongly against the idea. According to sources cited by ESPN, the governing body is “pleased with the outcome of the new format, but currently considers it impossible to hold another Club World Cup in two years.”
FIFA is instead planning for the next edition in 2029, with Qatar emerging as a frontrunner to host. While the Gulf nation boasts the infrastructure and financing from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the tournament would need to be scheduled for December to avoid the extreme summer heat – a complication in an already packed global calendar.
“FIFA considers it logistically difficult and financially unsustainable to organize such a massive event every two years,” sources told ESPN.
Scheduling and UEFA conflicts
The primary obstacles are not just financial, but also structural. FIFA believes that organizing a biennial Club World Cup would clash with existing commitments, particularly with UEFA’s competitions, such as the Champions League and the European Championship.
“FIFA believes that holding the tournament every two years would create a conflict with UEFA, which is not in its interest,” the report adds.
In addition, the global soccer calendar is already bursting at the seams, with national leagues, continental tournaments, and international fixtures jostling for space. Cramming in another Club World Cup could compromise player health, club schedules, and the competitive integrity of domestic leagues.
