Infantino: Teams outside Europe deserve a stage of performance, and the same is true for "small country superstars"

The 2025 Club World Cup has begun the group stage competition. FIFA President Infantino once again talked about the significance of this competition in an interview.

Infantino said: "I come from Europe, and all the top clubs are almost there, and there are top events, and they attract players from all over the world. But from the perspective of ordinary fans, clubs outside Europe have never got a real performance stage. Clubs are doing almost 80% of the world. In order to develop club football, we need to hold global competitions to provide opportunities for clubs that have invested heavily in cultivating and developing talents.

"We want to make football truly global. When we look deeper, although football is the world's largest sport, the top events are actually clearly concentrated in a few clubs, and a few countries. We hope to bring hope and opportunities to teams such as Mamelodi Sunset in South Africa, Ulsan HD in South Korea, and Auckland City in New Zealand.

"This will inspire people in many countries, especially those children, who can hold the hope of becoming one of them. This is a historic moment, and I believe that after this game, the whole world will realize that something special is happening here."

Infantino also mentioned players who are almost impossible to participate in the World Cup, saying: "For example, my good friend, former Liberian President George Wei'a, is a legend and great player that our fans love, and the only Golden Globe winner in Africa. But Wei'a has never participated in the World Cup, and he should have the qualification to participate in this kind of Club World Cup."

According to the agreement reached by FIFA and the broadcaster DAZN, all 63 games will be broadcast live worldwide for free. Infantino said: "No other club in the world can reach a value of $30 million per game. In my opinion, football belongs to the people. What other top club events can be watched for free? The national team games may allow you to watch for free, because the relevant institutions have to legislation to force us sports organizations to provide some free games.

"But top club football games are not the case, you have to pay." Now, whether you are in Tumbut (located in Mali), Hanoi, New York, or London, Rome, or Madrid, you can watch the FIFA World Cup with the best players and the best clubs in the world for free, right? ”

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