Clubs threaten to pull out of FIFA Club World Cup if promised revenue of 800 million euros is not met
Clubs have threatened to pull out of the upcoming Club World Cup if they do not receive the 800 million euros in revenue promised by FIFA.
This was reported in today's print edition of Rome-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews.
This season, FIFA is set to introduce a new format to the Club World Cup competition.
This format will be a major expansion.
Previously, only seven teams from FIFA's six confederations participated in the Club World Cup, with one team selected from the winners of each confederation's top knockout tournament.
The Champions League winner will therefore represent UEFA and will be the only European club to take part.
However, this time the tournament will feature 32 teams.
Teams from Europe's top leagues qualify via their UEFA coefficients.
From Serie A, Inter and Juventus are the teams set to take part in the new format of the competition.
A further major change is that the Club World Cup will now be held at the end of the European club season, in the summer of 2025.
Previously, the tournament was held in the winter.
Clubs threaten to pull out of Club World Cup if promised revenue of 800 million euros is not met
Naturally, a big motivation for taking part in an expanded Club World Cup is revenue.
Of course, the sport can maintain its prestige as a sport.
On the other hand, the addition of extra games at the end of an already long season is controversial.
But FIFA offers huge benefits to participating clubs.
The total amount offered by football's governing bodies is around 800 million euros.
However, it is not yet clear how FIFA will collect this money and distribute it to the participating clubs.
The group is in talks with various broadcasters but has not yet reached an agreement.
In July, negotiations with Apple over a €500 million broadcasting deal stalled.
La Repubblica reports there are rumours of talks with Saudi Arabian sponsors.
However, Saudi Arabia's energy giant Aramco has so far denied being in negotiations with FIFA.
