Gianni Infantino claims Club World Cup was a huge success amid criticism
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the FIFA Club World Cup as a financial success, generating over $2 billion in revenue.
- Despite high attendance numbers, many matches featured thousands of empty seats, indicating widespread criticism of the event.
- Critics argue that the tournament's success is overstated, suggesting that it lacks genuine engagement and reflects issues in scheduling and organization.
In the lead-up to the FIFA Club World Cup, held in the United States during the intense summer heat, FIFA President Gianni Infantino publicly declared the tournament a significant success, both financially and in spectator attendance. According to Infantino, the event generated over $2 billion in revenue and attracted more than 2.5 million fans across its matches. He boasted about an impressive attendance of around 40,000 spectators per match, a feat he argued surpasses that of any league other than the Premier League. However, not everyone shared Infantino's enthusiasm. Critics, including players and coaches, pointed to adverse conditions, with many expressing discomfort due to the extreme heat. Moreover, there were thousands of empty seats at several matches, undermining Infantino's claims of success. Prominent teams like Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich, despite being part of the event, faced near-empty stadiums, and even the knockout rounds saw significant attendance issues. Further controversies surrounded the broadcast and media coverage of the event, with indications of ambivalence among major networks towards acquiring broadcasting rights. Critics suggested the Club World Cup failed to garner genuine interest, pointing to a disconnect between FIFA's projections and the public's reception. This perspective was highlighted by FifPro, the global representative organization for professional football players, which described the event as a manufactured spectacle devoid of authentic engagement with fans and players alike. As Infantino prepared to celebrate the event's perceived triumph, skepticism lingered regarding the overall impact of the Club World Cup on the football community. Many speculated that the reaction of players and fans could set precedents for future tournaments, especially with the upcoming 2026 World Cup, where contingency plans like stadium roofs aim to alleviate concerns over extreme weather. Ultimately, while Infantino's financial optimism may indicate a successful economic outcome, the sentiments expressed by attendees and observers reveal deeper issues concerning the tournament's actual viability and relevance in the broader context of global football.