FIFA wants to charge hosting fees for staging 24-team Club World Cup tournaments worth at least USD3 billion each and planned to kick off in 2021.
In a briefing document seen by The Associated Press, FIFA says host markets “must have a propensity to pay a hosting fee” — a business model similar to Formula One auto racing.
FIFA has a USD25 billion offer from a consortium including Chinese, Saudi Arabian and American interests to help organize and market the revamped Club World Cup and a new global league for national teams for 12 years through 2033.
However, the project faces strong opposition from soccer leaders in Europe who see a threat to their hugely popular Champions League.
Each edition of a proposed Club World Cup every four years would have guaranteed revenue of $3 billion.
Even FIFA’s own briefing document suggests just $650 million to $1 billion would be “required to make it a successful project.” The 2017 Club World Cup played in the United Arab Emirates — featuring six continental champions and the host nation’s champion — earned just $37 million for FIFA in its annual December slot.
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