FIFA is reportedly considering turning the revamped Club World Cup into a biennial event from 2029, according to emerging reports.
The governing body’s flagship club competition, which debuted in the United States this summer, is currently scheduled to be held every four years. However, leading European clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Napoli, are said to back plans to increase their frequency.
A key factor driving support is the lucrative prize money on offer. Chelsea received US$85 million for lifting the trophy last month, and clubs want more chances to share in the financial rewards. With restrictions on the number of participants from each country and confederation, more regular tournaments are seen as a way to generate additional revenue.
The Club World Cup was previously a seven-team event staged annually, featuring the winners of each confederation’s premier club competition plus a representative from the host nation. FIFA expanded it to a 32-team format every four years in an effort to create a major new income stream and boost its influence in club football.
The inaugural expanded edition drew criticism from players’ union Fifpro, and others who argued it worsened football’s already congested calendar. Attendance figures and television audiences were also inconsistent, raising questions over the tournament’s appeal.
Despite this, the competition was deemed commercially viable enough for continuation. Any move to stage it every two years could only take effect from 2031, as the international football calendar is locked until 2030.
The Guardian also reports that FIFA may expand the next Club World Cup to 48 teams. Such a move would likely face strong opposition from UEFA, which regards the tournament as a rival to its own competitions, and from the Premier League, which fears further fixture congestion.
One proposal to ease the scheduling clash is to abolish the June international break, but UEFA currently uses this slot for the finals of its Nations League.
Honestly, FIFA planning a Club World Cup every two years from 2029 sounds exciting but intense for players. It could boost club revenues, maybe even helping some teams afford investments like a Bank Statement Loan for expansions. Still, scheduling and player fatigue will be a big challenge.
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