At the end of this season, Manchester City will take part in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. Pep Guardiola’s side has been drawn in Group G of the competition. They will play Juventus, Wydad AC and Al Ain FC in their group-stage fixtures. But looking ahead is it a blessing or a curse for Manchester City to play in the tournament? There is a case both for and against City’s participation in FIFA’s newest tournament.
First of all the case against Manchester City’s participation in the tournament is obvious. It adds potentially seven more fixtures to the heavy schedule they already face. Pep Guardiola’s side are already struggling with a heavy workload as it is. Playing another tournament at the end of such a busy season is fraught with issues. Fatigue is the biggest one. It will also leave the champions will little time to prepare for the 25/26 season. That is the most compelling case against City’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.
But there is also a case for Manchester City’s participation in the tournament. The first one is the financial gain the world champions look set to receive. Mike Keegan has reported for the Daily Mail that Manchester City, Chelsea and every other club that participates in the tournament are set for a significant financial boost. Keegan reports that City could receive between £50-60 million for their participation in the tournament. In the era of PSR and FFP regulations that is a massive boost.
There may also another benefit to Manchester City playing in the Club World Cup. Marca has reported that FIFA are set to open a third transfer window. The window is set to open from June 1st to the 10th of June. This way clubs who participate in the tournament can strengthen their squads ahead of the competition.
This could play into City’s hands. If they can conclude their transfer business in that window they could potentially use the tournament as a pre season of sorts for any new signings. Given that Manchester City appear set to rebuild their squad next summer that window could prove to be crucial for Pep Guardiola’s side.
There are cases both for and against Manchester City’s participation in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. But it depends on your point of view on the situation. But if Pep Guardiola’s side did take out the tournament the chance to call Manchester City the world champions for the next four years could also be something too good to pass up.