Foreign press reports have revealed the possibility of making extensive changes to the Club World Cup in the coming period, following the success of the first edition of its new format.
The United States hosted last summer the first edition of the Club World Cup in its new format, with the participation of 32 teams.
Qatar the closest host
The Spanish newspaper AS mentioned that the next edition of the Club World Cup may be held in the state of Qatar, which had previously hosted the tournament in its old format, with the participation of only 7 teams.
The report indicated that developments are still ongoing regarding the Club World Cup, as the focus is currently on a sustainable structure and system for that World Cup.
It added: "Qatar is preparing to host the upcoming tournament, however, the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, has recently expressed her readiness to host the tournament in a country that wished for more after hosting the World Cup for the third time".
From summer to winter
It continued: "There are still pending questions in the consultations that have begun between a number of clubs and FIFA, the main body concerned with the Club World Cup, and the timing of the tournament is the biggest concern, as Qatar's nomination to host the second edition of the Club World Cup will open the door to the possibility of holding it in the winter season".
The report indicated that the option of holding the Club World Cup in winter is not excluded, but it will require replanning the entire season, noting that the European Club Association is actively participating in those discussions, as the financial revenues from the tournament are vital for the continuation of European football, after Chelsea earned 120 million euros for winning the title last year.
Expanding the number of teams
Regarding the issue of increasing the number of participants from 32 to 48 teams, the newspaper AS clarified that the door for participation will be opened with more than two teams per country, and the mechanism for distributing seats will be modified.
The most complex point is the possibility of holding the tournament every two years, indicating that this matter seems unlikely at present, but it has not been completely ruled out in the future.
Al Ahly Club had participated in the first edition of the expanded Club World Cup tournament, but it exited the group stage, after drawing with Inter Miami and Porto, in addition to the defeat against Palmeiras.
