Saudi Arabia has been chosen to host December’s FIFA Club World Cup ahead of a new 32-team format which set to be introduced in 2025. The decision was made by the FIFA Council.
While Saudi Arabia will host a seven-team Club World Cup later this year, marking the first time the Middle East state has been asked to put on a FIFA tournament, they are planning to change the format of the competition in 2025 to make it a 32-team man tournament
Real Madrid lifted the trophy last year in Rabat, Morocco.
Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turk Al Faisal said: “We are honoured and extremely excited to be given the opportunity to welcome the world’s leading football clubs and their fans to Saudi Arabia, as quoted by BBC Sport.
“Many fans will have recently witnessed our ability as a nation to compete at the highest possible level on the pitch. Now we have the chance to prove we are also world-class hosts off it.
“This is another important step forward on our journey of transformation in football and as a country and I trust all involved will see for themselves the undeniable progress being made at many different levels.
“We host international sports for the simple reason that we truly believe in the power of sport to inspire our boys and girls, to create new connections and build new relationships.”
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
Saudi Arabia has been chosen to host the FIFA Club World Cup in December. 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/oeHndIlJHs
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 14, 2023
News report courtesy of Sky Sports News (H/t Football Daily)
Twelve European sides will be invited to play in 2025 – and onwards – which is a decision that comes following widespread criticism over the tournament’s format.
This only adds more fixtures to the calendar for those clubs involved, as we can only hope Manchester United can take part again – by winning the Champions League – and hopefully it doesn’t contribute to any sportswashing, amid reports Qatari investors are keen on bidding for Manchester United this week.
Meanwhile, the future of our beloved United remains unknown.
