Nasser Al-Khelaifi defends the FIFA Club World Cup amid criticism from the Premier League and player unions regarding its scheduling and impact on players
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Doha: Nasser Al-Khelaifi has defended the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which is set to expand in 2025. His comments come as the competition faces backlash from national leagues and player unions.
The Club World Cup has been criticized for its scheduling. FIFA is facing legal challenges from player unions and national leagues. Many believe the international calendar is too crowded, which could harm player health and the future of national leagues.
Manchester City player Rodri has expressed his worries about the packed schedule. He said, “We have too many games, and it’s putting our careers and health at risk.” His teammate, Kevin De Bruyne, echoed these concerns, stating that the addition of more matches seems to prioritize money over player welfare.
Richard Masters, the Premier League chief executive, has also spoken out against the expanded competition. He called it a “tipping point” and noted that there was a lack of consultation with national leagues before making these changes.
In response to the criticism, Al-Khelaifi shared a different perspective. He suggested that coaches should manage their teams better. He mentioned that Paris Saint-Germain’s coach, Luis Enrique, is not worried about the schedule and emphasized the importance of squad rotation.
Al-Khelaifi also pointed out that France has successfully reduced its league calendar. He noted that Ligue 1 has 18 teams and a Coupe de France, while the Premier League still has 20 teams and additional cup competitions.