Gianni Infantino has confirmed FIFA plans to kick on with its expanded Club World Cup plans despite resistance from a number of European clubs.
Many Champions League competitors had reportedly been reluctant to support proposals which will affect the Club World Cup in 2025. The prospect of a 32-team tournament was unpopular with continental giants, with the European Clubs Association (ECA) insisting they would not sign off on the plans. Mirror Football understands that the Premier League is also unhappy, having been blindsided by Infantino's announcement on Friday.
Infantino showed up an hour late to his press conference, following a FIFA council meeting. When he did begin to address the media, he confirmed the situation regarding the club tournament due to be held one year before the next World Cup takes place across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
"The men’s Club World Cup will take place in 2025, the location still needs to be discussed and decided but a 32-team tournament will go ahead," Infantino said. "It will be like a World Cup."
"The principle was agreed to use the March windows, the 10 days in March, in even years – the World Cup years or Copa America and Euros years - is to organise friendly tournaments of four teams from four different federations," he added. "A FIFA World Series-type of events, to allow more matches of teams from different confederations."
No further details were provided regarding the breakdown by confederation of the teams who will take place in the 2025 Club World Cup. The next scheduled edition, taking place in February 2023, will involve the six continental champions, with an extra place given to the Confederation of African Football, the governing body which represents host nation Morocco.
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In response to the actions of the ECA, which represents 220 top European sides, FIFA refused to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the body. The agreement between the two parties runs until the end of 2022 and a failure to make progress before the March international break could theoretically allow clubs to refuse players permission to represent their countries.
The Club World Cup was first held in 2000, with Corinthians triumphing in the final. It did not return until 2005, but has been held every year since, midway through the European club season.
Each edition has involved between six and seven clubs and every winner has come from either Europe or South America. Only three Premier League teams have ever won the competition, with Chelsea the most recent to triumph after following up their 2021 Champions League win with an extra-time victory over South American champions Palmeiras in Abu Dhabi. Manchester United and Liverpool are the other two sides to have lifted the trophy.
