Deeply flawed, highly problematic ... but FIFA's Club World Cup is well worth your time

The Age

2 days ago

It also features Infantino's name on it. Not once, but twice, which tells you a fair bit about not only him, but this tournament, his vanity project, the latest missive in the ongoing cold war between FIFA and UEFA.
There are more problems. It is being broadcast globally by DAZN (in Australia, Kayo Sports, since they own it now) - and that in itself is not a problem, but no other broadcasters were particularly interested, and they paid $1 billion for the rights, which appears to be massive overs. And the money has come from SURJ Sports Investments, a fund (whose chief executive is Danny Townsend, the former A-Leagues boss) which is tied to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. And that deal seems to have been part of a quid pro quo for FIFA to give the 2034 World Cup rights to Saudi Arabia.
It will also be held in the United States, who are also co-hosting next year's World Cup, against the backdrop of riots, impending war and general Trump-related volatility - and empty seats. Fan interest for most games has been scarce, so FIFA has had to dramatically drop their initially ambitious ticket prices.
And then there's the timing, at the end of the season, the first since UEFA's competitions have been expanded, at a time when clubs and tired players say they have been pushed beyond breaking point. Forcing it upon them is hardly going to make them take it seriously.
And then there's the prize money. All up, there is a total prize pool of US$1 billion on offer, awarded on a sliding scale - just for turning up, Auckland City will pocket US$3.58 million. Teams from Asia, Africa and North and Central America will get nearly US$10 million.
Critics argue that giving such huge sums of money to those clubs - remember, Auckland City play in an amateur competition - will throw domestic leagues around the world out of balance financially. Although it doesn't seem to be bothering those from Europe, who are licking their lips at being awarded up to US$80 million for winning the thing - and, reportedly, are talking to FIFA about expanding the next tournament to 48 teams, just like the World Cup. The other one. For countries.
But if you can get past all that ... maybe this is worth a look?
If enormous bundles of cash are what it will take to get European clubs invested in this, then maybe that's just what it takes. Because for all the caveats, the Club World Cup could be really good for football. It has the potential to share the love. Famous clubs like Egypt's Al Ahly, Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds, Brazil's Flamengo and Fluminense, Argentina's River Plate and Boca Juniors, and yes, Auckland City too - they all get the chance to compete on equal terms, for something real, with the likes of Chelsea, Bayern, Juventus, Real Madrid, Manchester City and the rest.
That's a good thing. It's good that The Athletic is running long pieces about the Mamelodi Sundowns, having embedded a journalist with the South African club for four days.
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It's good that fans in Europe might learn something about club football in the rest of the world, for once. So they should.
You will be told to roll your eyes and ignore. This thing is far from perfect, and in some ways is deeply problematic. But there will be some good football played, if you're into that sort of thing. Somewhere along the line, there will probably be a massive upset. It will be the highlight of so many players, coaches and fans' footballing lives. There is a lot of baggage, and it is painful to acknowledge that Infantino may have come up with a good idea.