Infantino hails Club World Cup as 'world's most successful competition'
There were also doubts about the level of interest the competition would generate among fans but Infantino said he was satisfied with the attendances at matches -- despite many games being far from sold out -- and claimed it had been a major success financially.
"The golden age of club football has started. We can definitely say this FIFA Club World Cup has been a huge success," Infantino told reporters at Trump Tower on New York City's Fifth Avenue, where FIFA has just opened an office.
"We heard that financially it would not work, that nobody is interested, but I can say we generated almost 2.1 billion dollars in revenues, for 63 matches," he said.
"That makes an average of $33 million per match -- no other club competition in the world comes close.
"It is already the most successful club competition in the world."
Former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp has been one of the leading voices against the tournament, calling it "the worst idea ever implemented in football" in a recent interview.
But the head of world football's governing body dismissed suggestions that Klopp might be speaking for most observers in Europe.
"We shouldn't say that the opinion of Europe on this is very bad because it is not true," said Infantino, who was appearing on a stage alongside numerous footballing greats including the Brazilian Ronaldo.
"All the teams who have come here have been happy -- some teams who didn't come here because they didn't qualify were calling us to see how they could qualify.
"Of course I would have liked to have Liverpool here, Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona, Tottenham, AC Milan, Napoli... but you have to qualify and there are different criteria."
The next Club World Cup is due to take place in 2029, with Infantino refusing to commit when asked whether the tournament could be played every two years or be expanded to feature more teams.
"We created something new, something which is here to stay, something which is changing the landscape of club football," he added.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
31 minutes ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Gymnastics: Belgian ex-Olympic champion Derwael retires - Omni sports
Belgium's former Olympic uneven bars champion Nina Derwael said Tuesday she was retiring from gymnastics at the age of 25, having "achieved her goals" in the sport. Derwael became the first Belgian women's gymnast to win an Olympic medal four years ago in Tokyo, taking gold after twice being crowned world champion in the uneven bars. "If I still wanted to play a significant role at world championships or Olympics, I would have to put my body under even greater and more prolonged pressure, a risk I no longer want to take," she said in a statement from her agency. Derwael is a three-time European champion in the uneven bars and also won gold on the balance beam in Leipzig this year. She finished fourth at the Paris Olympics in her favourite event after recovering from a serious shoulder injury. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
an hour ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Everton sign Bournemouth keeper travers - World
Travers agreed a four-year contract with the Premier League club, who will open their new stadium at the start of the forthcoming season. The 26-year-old said: "I'm extremely proud and excited to be an Everton player. Coming in, you can feel how big this club is and the history that comes with it. "You really feel that with the fanbase, the new stadium now as well and the direction the club is going in. "It's a really exciting time to be part of this massive football club and I just can't wait to get going." Travers, who made 82 appearances for Bournemouth during his nine years with the club, will compete with England keeper Jordan Pickford for the starting place in David Moyes' team. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
an hour ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Man City sign kit deal worth reported £1 billion - World
Manchester City have signed a blockbuster new kit deal with Puma worth a reported £1 billion ($1.34 billion) over the next 10 years. City's extension of their contract with Puma ranks as the largest kit manufacturing partnership in Premier League history. Having agreed a £65 million per year deal with the German company in 2019, City's new arrangement is believed to be worth a £100 million per year until 2035, according to British media reports. That figure shatters the £90 million per year deal signed by Manchester United with Adidas in 2023. Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are both reported to have kit deals worth in excess of £100 million per year. "We joined forces with Puma with the ambition to challenge ourselves and go beyond the expectations. We have achieved this and more over the last six seasons," City Football Group chief executive Ferran Soriano said. "Puma have seamlessly integrated into our organisation, and we have enjoyed many historic moments together, engaging fans globally." Puma chief executive Arthur Hoeld added: "Puma's partnership with Manchester City has been a great success both on and off the pitch. "Trophies, a perfect stage for our performance products and commercial success were exceptional." City's massive deal comes after the club's first season without major silverware since 2016-17. Pep Guardiola's men finished third in the Premier League after winning the title for the previous four seasons. They also suffered a shock FA Cup final defeat against Crystal Palace and crashed out of the recent Club World Cup in the last 16 against Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
