By Andrea Caropreso
It’s been talked about, it sparked debate, and will likely continue to do so. The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is the tournament that will disrupt the calendars of those taking part, but at the same time, it will pave the way to generate tens of millions of euros for the clubs flying to the United States, the host country.
“Another key aspect of this tournament is its economic impact,” FIFA president Infantino said in recent weeks. “In addition to the significant prize money for participating clubs, 20% of the revenues will go to non-participating clubs. In many parts of the world, such a percentage is unheard of. This will significantly contribute to football’s growth worldwide.” In other words, a real induced system built through football.
One million for the cities
Those who thought the event kicking off next June 13 would be just a golden well for the clubs were wrong. As Infantino had announced, FIFA will pay 1 million dollars to each host city. A kind of thank you to the various U.S. administrations who have collaborated with the world football governing body over the months to make this much-desired competition a reality.
On the other hand, this political-financial maneuver orchestrated by Infantino is tightly linked to what will happen just over a year from now. In 2026, in fact, the World Cup (for national teams this time) will take place, involving dozens of cities, especially in the U.S. (but also in Canada and Mexico).
“We want to do something for the community, because one thing that strikes me in North America, and must change, is the lack of proper facilities to play football in a suitable environment. So, giving something back, helping build facilities in Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York/New Jersey, Orlando, Philadelphia, Seattle and Washington DC, where they’re most needed, is something we must do,” said Gianni Infantino.
How much do clubs earn?
A competition like this, right in the middle of the players’ vacation and of normal pre-season camps, surely raised questions within club boards. However, in today’s football, where especially top clubs can only stay sustainable by playing a lot and earning even more, the cheque from FIFA becomes the reason why flying to the U.S. in June is worthwhile.
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The distribution fund will be based around one billion euros, naturally to be divided among the 32 participating clubs, who will earn more or less depending on the results achieved on the pitch. A figure that, to give an idea, will be more than twice what was generated by the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Taking for example the case of the two Italian participants, Inter and Juventus, they’ll start with an initial guaranteed income of 18 million, to which will be added rewards for points gained, for possible group stage progression, and then for advancing to the final stages. Whoever reaches the final scheduled for July 14 will be able to pocket around 70 million euros if they lose, or 98 million if they lift the trophy.
Money that, needless to say, can impact clubs’ budgets—often in debt—and can also change transfer market plans. In fact, due to the Club World Cup, an extraordinary transfer window has been set from June 1 to June 10. Just to further boost fans’ interest.
By Andrea Caropreso
