FIFA is under pressure as Chelsea and Man City supporters force the governing body to reassess its approach to the new Club World Cup format.
The tournament, now slated for the summer rather than the traditional winter slot, faces scrutiny as stadiums in venues like Philadelphia are showing vast empty sections. Fans of both clubs have voiced concerns over the dwindling atmosphere, with reports indicating that significant portions of seating remain unsold for key matches.
The prospect of half-empty stands became evident during Man City’s opener against Wyad Casablanca and Chelsea’s clash with Club Leon, where nearly entire sections of the stadium were left vacant. In response, FIFA has dramatically slashed ticket prices. The cheapest final tickets, once priced at $892 (£717), have been reduced to an affordable $300 (£241), a move claimed to reward the loyalty of travelling fans to the USA rather than simply counter low demand.
While the principle behind these changes appears sound from a sporting perspective, the steep costs associated with modern football continue to be a major sticking point. The revamped Club World Cup is designed to serve as a pre-season battleground where the best teams from each continent vie for supremacy—a concept that could truly captivate audiences if matched by competitive spirit. However, for clubs like Man City, the previous tournament format felt more like an awkward interruption to their title pursuits.
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This season, the scenario looks markedly different. With Man City struggling in both domestic and European competitions, manager Pep Guardiola is banking on the tournament to rejuvenate his squad and integrate his new January signings effectively. Amid these developments, emerging talents are under the microscope; while Omar Marmoush has impressed since his arrival, Abdukodir Khusanov’s debut against Chelsea was anything but smooth, casting a shadow over his recent transfer from Lens.
For Chelsea, the Club World Cup might serve as a catalyst for significant squad restructuring ahead of the summer transfer window. The Blues now have a unique opportunity to offload surplus players before other clubs enter the fray. Joao Felix and Carney Chukwuemeka are expected to return in time for the tournament, potentially being showcased by manager Enzo Maresca if they remain surplus to requirements.
Moreover, Chelsea’s transfer strategy appears geared toward streamlining the squad, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also expected to leave if a suitor is found. As the tournament unfolds in the USA, both clubs will be watching closely—hoping that the reconfigured format not only offers competitive football but also a platform to rebuild and redefine their squads for the challenges ahead.
