DAZN has sealed a landmark global deal to show FIFA's criticised Club World Cup for free.
Concerns had circulated amongst club sources due to FIFA's delay in selling broadcasting rights for the upcoming summer tournament set for the US, sparking a series of legal challenges from player unions and domestic leagues over the event's timing. Rumours have flown regarding Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund potentially investing a whopping one billion US dollars into DAZN, with the streaming service having already secured rights to showcase the Saudi Pro League and various sporting events in Saudi areas.
Ahead of tomorrow's tournament draw in Miami, FIFA heralds the agreement with a broadcaster capable of sub-licensing to local TV networks. Notably, English giants Manchester City and Chelsea will be separated during the group stages of the 32-team fiasco that has endured a lacking inception.
Accusations fly towards FIFA for insufficient dialogue with player associations and leagues about the international match calendar, as Richard Masters, the Premier League chief executive, classifies the Club World Cup's arrival as the "tipping point". Player welfare is at the heart of union concerns, with European-based players who progress far in the tournament facing minimal rest before the 2025-26 domestic seasons.
City's Rodri has even hinted that players are "close" to considering strike action due to the packed schedule, as UEFA’s club competitions expand. Leagues are worried about the impact of the Club World Cup on their fixtures, questioning if teams like Manchester City and Chelsea can be fully fit for the start of the 2025-26 season on August 17.
While some in Europe view the competition with scepticism, it's a different story elsewhere; Al Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada called it his team's "single most important competition of the season" in October. The group stage will see four groups hosting two European teams each, but City and Chelsea won't face each other early on.
City and Chelsea are in by virtue of their Champions League victories in 2023 and 2021, joining other European heavyweights such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris St Germain, as well as South American titans Boca Juniors and Flamengo. The tournament is set to commence with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami taking the field on June 15 next year.
Their participation as the host nation team has sparked controversy, with Miami having clinched the regular-season Supporters Shield but then failing to secure the Major League Soccer championship title after a defeat to Atlanta in the MLS Cup play-offs. The grand finale is scheduled to take place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 13.
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