Arsene Wenger, former Arsenal manager and FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development has defended the newly announced format of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament is set to take place over June and July, featuring 32 teams from six confederations.
The revised format has faced criticism from the global players’ union, FIFPRO, citing concerns about increased player workload and its impact on mental and physical health, as well as personal and family lives.
In response, Wenger emphasised in a FIFA press release that while he acknowledges the busy football calendar, the competition occurs every four years, and due respect must be given to the rest period during and after the event.
Wenger highlighted the significant advancements in player welfare over the past two decades, including improvements in injury prevention, recovery techniques, nutrition, and medical technology. He stated that the current landscape is vastly different and improved compared to the past.
Explaining FIFA’s decision, Wenger justified the new Club World Cup format by drawing parallels with the nations’ World Cup. He stated, “It’s important that we make football really global, and this creates a chance for other clubs to progress. This is the real target. It will give more opportunities to more players all over the world to compete at the highest level.”