Statement on FIFA's Club World Cup and its potential impact on European club football

The Union of European Clubseeply concerned about the recent developments regarding FIFA's expanded Club World Cup. The media rights deal announced yesterday suggests that FIFA is progressing towards its funding target, with potential benefits seemingly limited to only 12 European clubs, and no clear information provided on solidarity payments. This raises significant questions about how these revenues will affect competitive balance, mobility, and sporting merit within European football.

The lack of transparency surrounding the decision to organise this competition is of great concern, particularly as European Leagues, LALIGA, and FIFPRO have filed a legal complaint against FIFA for proceeding without any consultation. Furthermore, it would appear that only one European stakeholder, the European Club Association (ECA), supports this direction, without clarifying how its own members were consulted.

Without meaningful consultation, broader inclusion and consideration of the impact on football at all levels, we believe such initiatives risk deepening the divide within European club football, favouring a select few while undermining the long-term health of the sport.

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