At a time when the IOC is questioning its business model, FIFA is asking fewer questions. The governing body of international football broke a record by increasing its revenue to $7,6 billion for the 2019-2022 cycle. It has now set a goal of reaching almost double that, $13 billion in revenue, for the 2023-2026 cycle. The money is flowing freely, and it's likely to continue. Much to the delight of Gianni Infantino.
Money money money
The FIFA Council, which met a few days ago, is counting on two billion dollars in revenue from the Club World Cup (from June 14 to July 13), its new toy, "which will set a new benchmark for world club football".One billion will be distributed to the 32 clubs involved, from all corners of the globe. "The FIFA Club World Cup will not only be the pinnacle of club football, but also a stunning display of solidarity that will benefit clubs as a whole, like no other competition ever has", assures Gianni Infantino.
The Swiss leader, however, omits criticisms related to the sporting interest of such a competition and the overload of an already insane schedule, denounced for several years by players and coaches. Each participating club will play between three and seven matches. Real Madrid could thus finish the 2024-2025 season with more than 70 official matches in eleven months of competition. Indigestible for many players, physically and mentally tired, but also for the spectators, whom FIFA continually seeks to force-feed, even if it means disgusting them.
The ogre who was always hungry
Obsessed with profits more than sport, the body has already reshaped the World Cup. The 32-nation format is dead and buried: starting in 2026, the tournament will expand to 48 teams. The number of matches will therefore increase from 64 to 104. And as if that weren't enough, it plans to bring together 64 teams in 2030 for the centenary edition. This proposal, put forward by Ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Football Federation, was deemed "interesting" by Gianni Infantino, who wishes "analyze it more closely" according to New York Times. This is not surprising when you consider that the FIFA president has publicly defended the idea of organizing the World Cup every two years, to generate ever more revenue.
To boost the pot, the body is also banking on women's football, whose potential has yet to be fully tapped. The FIFA Council approved the launch of the Women's Champions Cup in 2026, a tournament dedicated to the six continental champions, and the Women's Club World Cup in 2028, with 19 participating clubs. FIFA also called on potential candidates to host the 2031 and 2035 World Cups to come forward, and will select the hosts next year. The four nations of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) have already expressed interest in hosting the competition in 2035. This is fertile ground given the success of the Women's Euro in 2022, which generated unprecedented profits. FIFA is already rubbing its hands with glee.
