FIFA’s ambitious plans for an expanded Club World Cup in 2025 are facing significant financial hurdles, with potential sponsors and broadcasters showing little interest in the event. The tournament, scheduled to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025, is struggling to secure the necessary funding.
La Repubblica report how the gravity of the situation became apparent during a heated discussion at the Champions League draw in Monaco on August 29. Nasser Al Khelaifi, president of Paris Saint-Germain and leader of the European Club Association (ECA), confronted FIFA’s commercial director Romy Gai about the financial viability of the Club World Cup.
FIFA has promised to distribute a record $800 million in prize money among participating clubs, with the total cost of the tournament estimated at $2 billion. However, fundraising efforts have fallen short, and even major players like Apple have withdrawn their interest.
The lack of enthusiasm from broadcasters was evident during a recent meeting between FIFA and 60 European broadcasters, including Italian networks. The proposal failed to generate significant interest, leaving FIFA in a precarious position.
Some clubs are already threatening to boycott the tournament if FIFA cannot guarantee the promised $800 million prize pool. This pressure has led FIFA to explore alternative partnerships, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a potential savior.
Given the existing relationships between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Saudi entities, discussions have reportedly begun with Aramco, the Saudi energy giant that became a global FIFA partner in April. FIFA officials hope that Aramco’s involvement could attract other Saudi sponsors interested in investing in the tournament.
While Saudi sources currently deny any involvement in the Club World Cup project, they have not ruled out future discussions. As FIFA races against time to secure funding, the fate of the expanded Club World Cup hangs in the balance, with Saudi Arabia potentially holding the key to its financial viability.
