Football’s Scheduling Crisis: Tebas Calls for Club World Cup Cancellation
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has sounded the alarm, urging FIFA president Gianni Infantino to cancel the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The reason? Neither leagues nor the FIFPRO Players’ Union want it. The inaugural tournament, scheduled to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025, has sparked controversy over its potential impact on the already congested football calendar.
A Calendar Conundrum
This season is set to be the longest club campaign in history, thanks to the expansion of UEFA’s club competitions and the Club World Cup. Players, coaches, and leagues are warning of burnout, with Manchester City midfielder Rodri suggesting that players are “close” to going on strike due to their increasing workload.
Financial Concerns
Tebas has also raised questions about FIFA’s financial preparedness for the tournament. “You know that you have not sold the audiovisual rights for the budget you said for that Club World Cup,” he said, addressing Infantino. “You know that you do not have the sponsorships for that Club World Cup as you had budgeted.” Tebas believes FIFA will have to dip into its own funds to finance the 24-team tournament, potentially diverting €1.5 billion from other initiatives.
A Global Backlash
The global players’ union, FIFPRO, and the European Leagues have jointly filed a complaint with the European Commission, arguing that FIFA is abusing its power as both tournament organizer and regulator. The complaint alleges that the governing body is prioritizing its own interests over player welfare and the well-being of domestic leagues.
FIFA’s Response
Despite the backlash, FIFA remains committed to the Club World Cup, insisting that it will have a minimal impact on the football calendar or player welfare. The tournament is scheduled to take place once every four years, featuring a maximum of seven games. However, critics argue that this is little comfort for players already struggling to cope with the demands of modern football.
Seattle Prepares to Host
As the controversy surrounding the Club World Cup continues to unfold, Seattle’s Lumen Field has been announced as one of the host venues for the tournament. The stadium will host six games, including all three of the Seattle Sounders’ group matches. The city has also been selected as a host for the 2026 men’s World Cup.
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