FIFA confirmed today that there will be a 24 team Club World Cup which will start in the summer of 2021, it will take place every 4 years. However there are rumours that some of the bigger clubs in Europe do not want to participate in it.
It will replace the current seven-team annual Club World Cup, which is currently played in December, with an expanded quadrennial version in June-July 2021.
Friday's announcement was made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino despite a letter from Europe's elite clubs telling him they will not take part in the competition.
The stark message was handed to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin from the European Club Association, which represents 232 of the continent's leading teams, and was sent via email on Tuesday, three days before the crucial meeting in Miami on Friday.
The letter was signed by Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, Celtic's Peter Lawwell and the bosses of Ajax, Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG on Tuesday.
Asked if he was concerned about the prospect of FIFA staging a new Club World Cup in 2021 without any of Europe's elite clubs, Infantino said: "We hope that all the best teams will participate and we've had some very positive discussions with UEFA.
"But today it was our responsibility to take a decision because we have to deal with the organisational matters - it is only two years away."
Infantino added he was "extremely happy" at the council backing his plan to stage the new tournament in the slot previously scheduled for the traditional World Cup warm-up event, the Confederations Cup, from June 17 to July 4.
"Now the world will see a real Club World Cup where fans will see the best teams in the world compete to be crowned the real world champions," he said.
"Club football is evolving at a different pace in different parts of the world and we want to have an exciting, prestigious and inclusive competition, and we'll have that with this Club World Cup, starting in 2021."
Meanwhile, on the international stage, Infantino believes a 48-team World Cup in 2022 in Qatar is "feasible", adding that FIFA would continue to study the options.
"If it happens - fantastic. If it doesn't happen - fantastic also," he added.
No decision will be made on expanding that tournament, with possible additional host nations, until June, Infantino said.
The FIFA Council has also decided to use VAR at June's Women's World Cup in France.
Huguens
275
What’s the point of this ?The players need to rest and be ready for the World Cup that’s gonna happen the following year. Also there’s so many other competitions that’s gonna he going on in those years.
fecaceluz
193
Joke of the day " this world cup will be won by Portugal ", ya'll play too much.
mucdlmpsy
170
With so many foreigners playing in other countries I suppose it makes sense.supporters in the English premier league think more of there club than the national team,probably the same in other countries.
DCkathimpu19
163
That is great. At least,it will create more competition. I am not fade off watching football everyday. Hope the competition will grow tougher and stronger and give fans more entertainment and more value to players and clubs while playing the competition.
lopacdkn
61
This is about clubs not countries. I really don't know if Fifa want to create their own league and this is just emperimentation. It would be interesting, but expansion of the current format would be demanding on clubs. it means more teams and more time and there could also be concerns of injury and tiredness of players. Fifa should not be competing with eufa, they have enough tournaments to improve. If this goes through continental football authorities would start introducing similar and this is not healthy for the game. I'd rather Fifa did not rush on this. There's need for more and wider stakeholder engagement.
DCkathimpu19
19
I think this WC will be won by Portugal.
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No offense But This exactly shows how senseless Ronaldo fans are. 😂😂
senakash
17
I think this WC will be won by Portugal.
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these are Ronaldo fans😔😔🙄🙄
jerrymwas
13
I think this WC will be won by Portugal.
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how on earth did you get 55 likes for such a ridiculous comment.... this shows just how nowadays kids know nothing of football apart from few superstars they like.... paranoid Ronaldo fan
tisapsy
13
I think this WC will be won by Portugal.
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English is really a problem in this world, is a club world cup sir
TonyV25
12
I think this WC will be won by Portugal.
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How on Earth you got 42 likes for this comment?
mahesh_gora
10
I think this WC will be won by Portugal.
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stupidity at highest level . it's club world Cup, a nation can't participate in it . foolest man alive.