For the first time in history, the FIFA Club World Cup will feature 32 teams competing in a summer tournament format, marking a significant shift in the competition's structure as it kicks off in the United States.
The revamped tournament, championed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, has received lukewarm reception from clubs, players, and fans alike. Reports indicate that the opening match between Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Egypt's Al Ahly could see as many as 45,000 empty seats, highlighting concerns about the competition's appeal.
FIFA initially struggled to secure broadcasting rights before DAZN acquired them for approximately $1 billion (£787 million). The subsequent $1 billion investment in DAZN from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has raised questions about the financial motivations behind the tournament's expansion.
Mixed Reactions to New Format
Despite the controversies, some see the tournament as a positive development for football in the United States. Victor Mathias, an international Multimedia Broadcast Journalist based in Washington DC, expressed enthusiasm about the competition.
"I feel really excited that the competition is holding in the United States," Mathias told BenriNews. "This represents the growth of the MLS and will increase the global appeal of the league."
He added that the tournament serves as "a prelude of what to expect next year during the World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada."
However, the competition has not been without controversy. Seattle Sounders players wore T-shirts with 'Club World Cash Grab' printed on them to protest the tournament's payment structure. Additionally, concerns have been raised about Europe's dominant representation with 12 teams participating.
African Teams Ready to Compete
Three African clubs will participate in the tournament: Al Ahly of Egypt (qualified as 2020-21 CAF Champions League winners), Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa (qualified as the second-best-ranked eligible team in the CAF four-year ranking), and Botola Pro from Morocco (2021-22 CAF Champions League winners).
Al Ahly, 12-time African champions and CAF's African Club of the 20th Century, are considered the continent's powerhouse. Meanwhile, Botola Pro faces a challenging group that includes Manchester City and Juventus.
Despite the tough competition from European giants like Real Madrid, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, Mathias remains optimistic about African prospects: "I expect to see an African team, against all odds, lift the trophy at the Met Life Stadium in New Jersey on July 13."
The tournament will showcase a diverse range of clubs, with European teams expected to draw significant support. However, Mathias believes that "home-based clubs like Lionel Messi's Inter Miami surely possesses the intimidating fans" while "the African community will also show up for the African Contingent led by Al-Ahly of Egypt."
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