FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the Club World Cup as “already the most successful club competition in the world”, despite widespread criticism of the tournament. The competition has generated over $2 billion in revenue, with each match earning an average of $33 million.
Infantino pointed to the high attendance numbers, including 40,000 spectators per match, which he claims is a record for any cup competition worldwide. He also highlighted the financial success of the tournament, saying it has earned more than double what was expected.
However, the tournament has faced criticism over its poor attendance and player welfare concerns. Many players have expressed dissatisfaction with the heat and quality of pitches during the tournament in the US. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez described the heat as “very dangerous”, while his manager Enzo Maresca said it is “impossible” to have a normal training session.
Despite these issues, Infantino believes the Club World Cup has started the “golden era of global club football”. He acknowledged that there are both positives and negatives, but emphasizes that the tournament has been a success. With four new covered stadiums set to be used during the 2026 World Cup, Infantino is committed to addressing player welfare concerns and improving the tournament experience for players and fans alike.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c15wdqd5528o