FIFA unveils record prize for 2025 club World Cup winners
The International Federation of Football (FIFA) has announced that the winner of the 2025 Club World Cup will receive up to £100 million (120€ million). The tournament, which will take place in the United States from 13 June to 12 July, will feature a record prize pool of £800 million (956€ million). The event will involve 32 teams representing all continents.
The largest portion of the budget – £420 million (502€ million) – will be distributed among the clubs as a participation fee. The distribution of funds will take into account both sporting and commercial aspects, regardless of the teams' results.
According to Eurosport, the remainder of the pool, which is £380 million (454€ million), will be allocated for performance bonuses.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that not all clubs will receive the same amounts for participation.
Clubs such as Manchester City and Real Madrid will receive a greater percentage than smaller ones. The financing model will be developed by FIFA with the European Club Association – he noted.
Players and coaches express concerns
Not everyone is thrilled about the organisation of the tournament. Many players and coaches have expressed their concerns about the tight schedule. Among them is England's captain, Harry Kane.
It's another summer where we really don't have a break. [...] We don't like it, but in reality, we can't do anything about it. We have to play to... win – stated the Bayern Munich striker, as quoted by Eurosport.
Critics point out that the tournament will begin just two weeks after the Champions League final, which limits recovery time for players who will have played a long and exhausting season. There is a concern that more matches will increase the risk of injuries.
FIFA defends its project
Despite the criticism, FIFA does not intend to back down from organising the tournament. Infantino emphasised that the tournament will generate significant revenue and will not impact the federation's financial reserves. "FIFA will not keep a single cent" – he assured.
New tournament format
The new tournament format is significantly different from the previous one. Until now, only seven teams participated in the Club World Cup, and the tournament lasted a few days. Now the number of participants has been expanded to 32 teams, and the competition will include a group stage, which will increase the number of matches to over 50.
Stadiums ready for big emotions
The games will take place at 12 stadiums in various US cities. The final will be held in New Jersey, at a stadium with a capacity of approximately 83,000 spectators, which will also host the World Cup final a year later.
Matches will also be held in Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, Philadelphia, Seattle, Washington, and two venues in Orlando.
