MIAMI (Reuters) - Europe's top clubs say they will boycott Fifa's proposed new Club World Cup, leaving Fifa president Gianni Infantino's latest plans in serious doubt and risking a major split in the world game.
Infantino had hoped to get backing this week for creating two new, potentially money-spinning, tournaments - a new worldwide Nations League for national teams and a fresh 24-team Club World Cup to start with a "pilot" edition in 2021.
However, even before Friday's meeting of the ruling Fifa Council, he was forced to drop the Nations League plan after his own task force found there was no consensus for such a tournament and a lack of space in the international calendar.
Infantino still wants to move ahead with his plans for a "pilot edition" of a 24-team Club World Cup, with the council expected to allow the idea to move forward ahead of June's Fifa Congress which would be asked to endorse the plan.
But a letter to Uefa and Infantino from the European Club Association (ECA) head Andrea Agnelli, chairman of Italian side Juventus, and signed by 15 members of the organisation's board, including officials of Manchester United, Barcelona and Ajax Amsterdam, made clear the opposition.
The letter, sections of which were published in the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung says they are "firmly against any approval of a revised Club World Cup at this point in time and confirm that no ECA clubs would take part to such a competition".
The ECA represents 232 European clubs, including all the leading teams who would be expected to feature in a Club World Cup.
The ECA says a decision on potential new competitions can only be made as part of an agreed framework for the international match calendar post-2024.
The ECA and Fifa were not immediately available for comment.
The Club World Cup is currently an annual seven-team tournament which attracts minimal interest in Europe - the centre of the football business.
Uefa, European football's governing body, is unlikely to fight Infantino's plans at Friday's council, with the proposal expected to be passed on to a further meeting ahead of June's congress.
But it is hard to see how a 2021 edition could go ahead without the star attractions - Europe's top clubs.
The Fifa Council is also expected to decide to continue exploring plans to expand the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to 48 teams with the possibility of additional hosting in other countries.
Why Kepa should be sacked and not Sarri The Blues held down Man City to a goalless draw last night in the Carabao League final at Wembley stadium. However, late in the second half of the extra time, Chelsea goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga suffered an injury and Sarri called on him to be replaced by Willy […]
'Disgrace' Kepa should be sacked: Sutton - beinsports.com
Liverpool's Klopp condemns 'disgusting' Salah abuse ahead of Chelsea clash. A video circulated on social media ahead of Chelsea's Europa League match at Slavia Prague this week showed a group of
Klopp condemns 'disgusting' Salah abuse ahead of Chelsea
Valencia secured Champions League football for the second year in a row by winning 2-0 at Real Valladolid on Saturday. With the win they clinched fourth place in La Liga at the expense of Getafe who drew 2-2 at home to Villarreal. Marcelino's side had to win to guarantee finishing fourth and after
Football: Valencia clinch Champions League spot, Getafe in
Valencia secured Champions League football for the second year in a row by winning 2-0 at Real Valladolid on Saturday, clinching fourth place in La Liga at the expense of Getafe who drew 2-2 at
Valencia clinch Champions League spot, Getafe in Europa
Football great Pele has been released from the hospital in Paris and will return to Brazil in the "coming hours," Brazilian media reported Monday, citing his spokesman. The 78-year-old's discharge came after Neymar paid him a visit in hospital in the suburbs of the French capital.
Football: Real Madrid end awful campaign with 12th league loss, benched Bale may have played last game The Straits Times; Messi scores twice against Eibar to move four clear of Mbappe in Golden
10 things we learned from the Champions League after
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has said the club will trigger an extension clause in Toby Alderweireld's contract.. The Belgium defender will now be contracted to Spurs until the summer of
Tottenham to trigger Alderweireld one-year contract extension
Fabio Quagliarella became Italy's oldest goalscorer as his double helped Roberto Mancini's rejuvenated side thrash 10-man Liechtenstein 6-0 in their second Euro 2020 qualifier on Tuesday. Quagliarella, 36, netted two first-half penalties, while 19-year-old Moise Kean scored his second goal in his third appearance. Stefano Sensi, Marco
Veteran Quagliarella helps rejuvenated Italy thrash Liechtenstein
China's defender Zheng Zhi, ground, and South Korea's forward Son Heung-Min fight for the ball during the AFC Asian Cup group C soccer match between South Korea and China at Al Nahyan Stadium in
Asian Cup: South Korea beat China to win group - BBC Sport
Willian eager to stay at Chelsea despite exit rumours Premier League / 13 January 2019, 12:40pm / Chelsea's Willian has said he is staying at the club amid speculation he may leave.
Willian eager to stay at Chelsea despite exit rumours
Jurgen Klopp has vowed that Liverpool will remain positive as they battle for the Premier League title despite a wobble that has enabled Manchester City to seize the initiative. Liverpool's
Premier League » News » Liverpool staying positive despite
8 Life Changing Things You Learn When You Take The Leap And Live Abroad. in the eyes of your new friend, your answers define you more than your job ever could.
9 Tips for Becoming an Expat - BootsnAll Travel Articles
The 13-times winner was so convinced that De Gea was United's future No 1 that the great Scottish manager missed a game to go and watch him play. with De Gea becoming one of the best United
David de Gea: Manchester United keeper gives Ole Gunnar
Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari has shrugged off the Ref was right to award Real Madrid Casemiro penalty, says Solari. 14:17 The win against Levante took Real to within nine points of
Solari still committed to LaLiga title race | FOX Sports Asia
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen