LaLiga president Javier Tebas has called on FIFA president Gianni Infantino to cancel the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, citing concerns over the tournament’s financial viability and its impact on the football calendar.
Tebas, speaking at the Forum of the European Union of Clubs in Brussels, argued that FIFA has failed to secure the necessary sponsorship and audiovisual rights to fund the expanded 24-team tournament. He also emphasized that neither the leagues nor the FIFPRO Players’ Union support the event.
“You know that you have not sold the audiovisual rights for the budget you said for that Club World Cup,” Tebas said. “You know that you do not have the sponsorships for that Club World Cup as you had budgeted. You know that the leagues and the players’ football unions we don’t want that Club World Cup. Withdraw that Club World Cup now.”
Tebas believes that FIFA will be forced to use its own funds to finance the tournament, which he claims could divert resources away from other areas where the governing body is trying to make a positive impact. “If you are going to use FIFA funds to finance the money that is missing from the promise you have made to the clubs, you are taking it away from all those federations or places that FIFA says it is there to help,” he said.
The proposed Club World Cup has faced significant opposition from players, coaches, and leagues around the world who are concerned about the already congested football calendar. Manchester City midfielder Rodri recently suggested that players may be “close” to going on strike due to the increasing workload.
The global players’ union, FIFPRO, and the European Leagues have filed a complaint with the European Commission, arguing that FIFA is abusing its power as both tournament organizer and regulator.
Despite these concerns, FIFA remains committed to hosting the Club World Cup in the United States next year. On Tuesday, Infantino announced that Seattle’s Lumen Field will host six games during the tournament.
The decision to hold the Club World Cup in the United States comes as part of FIFA’s efforts to expand the tournament’s global reach. However, the event faces a significant uphill battle in the face of opposition from key stakeholders in the football world.
