FIFA Stands Firm on 32-Team Club World Cup Amid Threats of Legal Action
FIFA has made it clear that it will not be reconsidering the rescheduling of its new 32-team Club World Cup, despite threats of legal action from global players’ union FIFPRO and the World Leagues Association (WLA). The governing body of world football responded to concerns raised by FIFPRO and WLA in a letter addressed to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom.
In the letter, FIFPRO and WLA expressed their worries about the expanded competition, citing an already saturated global football calendar and the increased risk of injuries for players. However, FIFA rejected their claims, stating that they had engaged with relevant stakeholders on the matter of the International Match Calendar (IMC) and had taken their views into account during the consultation process.
While the principles for the IMC period 2025-2030 were approved by the FIFA Council in December 2022, FIFA remains open to further discussions with FIFPRO and WLA during the close season. The 32-team FIFA Club World Cup is set to be hosted in the United States next year from June 15 to July 13, alongside the expansion of all three European club competitions to 36 teams from the next season.
FIFPRO and WLA are aiming to address their concerns before the FIFA Congress at the meeting between the 211 member associations on May 17 in Bangkok, Thailand. The future of the global football calendar remains a point of contention, with FIFA standing firm on its plans for the Club World Cup despite opposition from player and league associations.