La Liga President Calls for Cancellation of Expanded Club World Cup Amid Controversy
The upcoming expanded Club World Cup, set to kick off in 2025 under FIFA’s initiative, has sparked notable debate in the football community. Javier Tebas,the president of La Liga,has emerged as a vocal critic,arguing that this tournament should be removed from the football calendar altogether. He has labeled the competition as “ridiculous” and is advocating for its complete cancellation, citing concerns over its impact on the broader football ecosystem.
Tebas expressed his frustration during an event in Madrid, stating that the club World Cup serves no real purpose and primarily benefits a select few clubs and players financially. He emphasized that the current model is detrimental to national leagues across Europe, as it disrupts the existing ecosystem.Moreover, he noted that there is no new revenue coming from audiovisual rights, which adds to his discontent. He suggested reverting to a shorter, one-week tournament format, as opposed to the lengthy schedule currently proposed, which he believes is impractical given the congested football calendar. His disappointment was palpable as he recounted watching a Chelsea match that felt more like a pre-season friendly than a competitive fixture.
Tebas is not alone in his criticism; Porto’s president, André Villas-Boas, has also raised concerns about the challenges of signing new players during the transfer window due to the Club World Cup’s scheduling. The tournament, which began on June 15 in the United States, will run until july 14 and features 32 teams, including Spain’s Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. As the debate continues, the future of the Club World Cup remains uncertain, with many in the football community questioning its relevance and impact.
