Clubs are threatening to pull out of the upcoming Club World Cup if FIFA does not deliver the promised €800 million in revenues.
This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews.
This season, FIFA are set to debut a new format for the Club World Cup competition.
This format will be a significant expansion.
Previously, the Club World Cup had included just seven teams from across FIFA’s six confederations. One representing the winner each confederation’s top knockout competition.
Therefore, the winners of the Champions League would represent UEFA. They would be the only European club participating.
But this time around, it will be a 32-team competition.
Teams from top European leagues gain entry via UEFA coefficient.
From Serie A, Inter and Juventus are the teams set to participate in the new format of the competition.
An additional major change is that the Club World Cup is now scheduled to take place at the end of the European club season, in the summer of 2025.
Previously, the competition had happened in the winter.
Clubs Threaten To Pull Out Of Club World Cup If Promised €800M Revenues Not Delivered
Naturally, a significant incentive for participation in the expanded Club World Cup is the revenues.
The competition could of course hold sporting prestige.
But on the other hand, the additional fixtures at the end of an already long season have proved controversial.
However, FIFA has offered big earnings to those clubs who participate.
The total amount that the football governing body has put on the table is around €800 million.
However, as of yet it is not clear how FIFA will generate this money to distribute to the participating clubs.
The organization is in talks with various broadcasters. But thus far these have not produced an agreement.
In July, talks with Apple on the basis of a €500 million broadcasting deal stalled.
La Repubblica report that there are rumours of talks with a Saudi sponsor.
However, Saudi energy giant Aramco have so far denied talks with FIFA.