FIFA Faces Criticism Over Expanded Club World Cup Amid Player Welfare Concerns

In December 2023, FIFA announced the expansion of the Club World Cup from seven to 32 teams, with the inaugural expanded tournament scheduled for June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States. This decision has sparked significant concerns regarding player welfare. The global players' union FIFPRO, along with the World Leagues Forum, criticized the expansion, highlighting the potential for increased physical and mental strain on players due to an already congested match calendar. In June 2024, these organizations filed a legal claim in the Brussels Court of Commerce, challenging the tournament's scheduling and its impact on player health. During the 2025 tournament, matches were played in extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 104°F (40°C), exacerbating concerns about player safety and well-being. Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp labeled the expanded format as "the worst idea ever implemented in football," emphasizing the risk of player burnout. Despite these objections, FIFA proceeded with the tournament, asserting that the scheduling was harmoniously aligned with the international match calendar to ensure sufficient rest for players.

Background on the FIFA Club World Cup Expansion

The FIFA Club World Cup, traditionally featuring seven teams, was expanded to 32 teams in December 2023, with the inaugural expanded tournament scheduled for June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States. This expansion aimed to create a global competition equivalent to the UEFA Champions League, offering clubs from various continents a platform to compete at the highest level. FIFA President Gianni Infantino championed this initiative, emphasizing the potential for increased global engagement and revenue generation.

Player Welfare Concerns and Legal Challenges

The expansion has been met with significant criticism from player unions and football associations. FIFPRO, the global players' union, and the World Leagues Forum have expressed concerns about the intensified physical and mental demands on players due to an already congested match calendar. In June 2024, these organizations filed a legal claim in the Brussels Court of Commerce, challenging the tournament's scheduling and its impact on player health. FIFPRO Europe stated, "Players and their unions have consistently highlighted the current football calendar as overloaded and unworkable."

Extreme Heat During the 2025 Tournament

The 2025 tournament was held across 12 venues in the United States, including cities like Pasadena, Miami, and Los Angeles. Matches were played in extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 104°F (40°C), exacerbating concerns about player safety and well-being. During the Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atletico Madrid match at the Rose Bowl, players and fans struggled with the heat, leading to some spectators leaving early due to dehydration. FIFPRO warned about the health risks, urging FIFA to consider schedule changes, additional cooling breaks, or match postponements during peak heat.

Criticism from Football Figures

Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp labeled the expanded format as "the worst idea ever implemented in football," emphasizing the risk of player burnout. He criticized the 32-team tournament, scheduled every four years during pre-seasons, for overburdening players with an already congested calendar. Klopp argued that the competition is pointless and would lead to minimal recovery time for players, increasing the risk of injuries and mental exhaustion.

Similarly, former England goalkeeper David James criticized the expanded Club World Cup, warning of player burnout due to an overloaded schedule. He suggested that clubs like Manchester City should field their youth team to avoid risking injuries to key players. James believes the change is driven by corporate greed, prioritizing profits over player welfare.

FIFA's Response

Despite these objections, FIFA proceeded with the tournament, asserting that the scheduling was harmoniously aligned with the international match calendar to ensure sufficient rest for players. FIFA implemented limited cooling measures during the tournament, such as lowering the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) threshold for breaks to 82.4°F, but critics argue this falls short, especially as nearly 50% of matches were scheduled during peak heat hours.

Social and Societal Implications

The expansion of the Club World Cup and the subsequent concerns highlight the ongoing tension between commercial interests and player welfare in professional football. The legal challenges and public criticisms underscore the need for a more balanced approach to scheduling that considers the health and well-being of players. The extreme heat conditions during the tournament also bring attention to the broader issue of climate change and its impact on outdoor sports events.

Conclusion

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup serves as a pivotal case study in the complex interplay between the ambitions of football's governing bodies and the imperative to safeguard player welfare. As the sport continues to evolve, it is crucial for stakeholders to collaborate in creating a sustainable football calendar that balances commercial interests with the health and well-being of players.