Infantino Calls Emergency FIFA Meeting Over Club World Cup Concerns

September 19, (THEWILL) – FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, has called an emergency meeting with global television executives to address concerns over the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament, set to debut in its new 32-team format in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025, has yet to announce any broadcast deals, venues or sponsors.

The lack of progress has raised questions about FIFA’s ability to deliver on financial expectations for participating clubs. Major European teams like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City are anticipating payouts exceeding $50 million, but it remains unclear how FIFA plans to fund these amounts.

FIFA’s negotiations with broadcasters have hit roadblocks due to misaligned financial expectations and concerns over audience familiarity with the tournament. The absence of popular teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Barcelona, along with scheduling conflicts with other major sporting events, has further complicated matters.

The situation has prompted FIFA to involve club representatives more closely in the planning process. Paris Saint-Germain President, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, in his role as chairman of the European Clubs Association, will join Infantino in Friday’s briefing with broadcast executives.

With only nine months until the tournament kicks off, FIFA faces mounting pressure to finalise crucial details. The organisation must also address legal challenges from player unions concerned about the tournament’s impact on the football calendar.