Manchester City and Chelsea are expected to receive a substantial sum of up to £97 million in prize money from a £775 million payment fund at the upcoming Club World Cup. The Premier League clubs, along with other participants, will benefit from a £407 million pot just for their involvement in the tournament.
Fifa, in collaboration with the European Club Association (ECA), has devised a system to allocate financial rewards to clubs based on various factors like their commercial value and global fanbase. The total fund of £368 million will be distributed based on the performance of the teams in a maximum of seven games during the tournament.
The exclusive broadcasting deal worth £775 million with sports streaming service DAZN in December has played a significant role in determining the financial rewards for the participating clubs. The revamped Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in the US from June 14 to July 13, aims to be the pinnacle of club football, according to Fifa President Gianni Infantino.
The tournament structure follows a similar format to Fifa’s international competitions, with 32 teams divided into eight groups. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages, leading up to the final on July 13, 2025. The competition will not include a third-place play-off.
Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, has secured a spot in the tournament as the representative of the host nation. This decision by Fifa has sparked debate, with some questioning the motives behind inviting a team that did not win the league championship.
The matches of the Club World Cup will be held in 12 stadiums across the United States, with the final set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The streaming platform DAZN will broadcast all 63 matches for free, with potential sublicensing to local broadcasters.
Despite the excitement surrounding the tournament, Fifa faces criticism and legal challenges from player unions and leagues due to concerns about an overcrowded football calendar. Some players have raised issues regarding player safety and well-being, especially with the tight schedule between the Club World Cup final and the start of the Premier League season.
In addition, the tournament partially overlaps with the Women’s Euro 2025, raising further concerns about scheduling conflicts and player fatigue.