Infantino: The FIFA Club World Cup is a platform for inclusivity

FIFA President Gianni Infantino believes the newly rebranded FIFA Club World Cup provides a platform to show how football is truly global and inclusive.

Infantino indicates that whereas not so many players can get a chance to play at the World Cup with their nations, the FIFA Club World Cup offers that unique opportunity for such players from small nations to shine at a global stage.

The FIFA boss in an interview with AFP was quick to point out a vivid example of George Weah from Liberia who had a great career at club level featuring for teams like PSG, AC Milan, Chelsea, Manchester City etc.

Whereas Liberia has not been to the FIFA World Cup, Weah who was President of the country between 2018-2024 excelled in his club career.

To date, he remains the only African player to win the Ballon d’Or in 1995 and also named African player of the year twice in 1989 and 1995.

“A very good friend of mine is George Weah.Former legend, great player, Ballon d’Or winner, only African player who ever won the Ballon d’Or, by the way. He never played in a World Cup. He would have been playing in a Club World Cup and made not only his club and also his country proud,” said Infantino as quoted by AFP.

A Similar situation applies to Uganda Cranes former captain Denis Onyango whose country has never been to the World Cup but he will feature at this year’s FIFA Club World Cup with Mamelodi Sundowns.

At the age of 40, the legendary goalkeeper will be featuring at his second FIFA Club World Cup, having played at the 2016 edition in Japan.

Infantino also believes the rebranded tournament ushers in a new era, comparing it to the inaugural FIFA World Cup held in 1930.

“Everyone today speaks about the very first World Cup. That’s why the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is historic and important.” He stated.

“We want to be inclusive. We want to give opportunities to clubs from all over the world. It’s really to globalize football because when you scratch the surface, we say it’s the number one sport in the world but it’s concentrated in a few clubs and a few countries.”

The 2025 edition will feature 32 teams for the first time, growing from the previous tournaments that have had only six teams.

The tournament will take place between July 14th to 13th July 2025 in the United States.

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