FIFA needs Messi to sell Club World Cup to TV network execs

FIFA is expected to try and use Lionel Messi to bolster interest in the 2025 Club World Cup by naming Inter Miami as CONCACAF’s final team for the tournament.

As hosts of the competition, the United States receives an extra slot. The Seattle Sounders previously booked a place in the tournament due to their triumph in the 2022 Champions Cup. Mexican trio Monterrey, Leon, and Pachuca also earned a spot at the competition because of similar successes.

Until now, FIFA had not publicly revealed whether it would award the final spot to the winner of the Supporters’ Shield or MLS Cup. Miami recently collected the Supporters’ Shield by having the best record in the league’s regular season. The Herons will also be favorites to win the MLS Cup, but the playoffs will not end until early December.

FIFA, however, will not wait until the outcome of the MLS playoffs to pick the final team for the Club World Cup.

The move ultimately comes down to the governing body having difficulty selling broadcasting rights to the competition. Apple was previously in line to grab the media right for the tournament. Nevertheless, negotiations between the two sides broke off earlier this summer.

FIFA hopes Lionel Messi’s Miami will boost interest in the tournament

After Apple dropped out, FIFA launched an invitation to media companies to bid for the rights to the competition. As of press time, however, no broadcaster has signed up to televise the tournament next summer.

FIFA is now attempting to draw more interest in the 2025 Club World Cup by selecting Miami. The move is coming despite the fact that the MLS Cup final is seven weeks away. The governing body is well aware that the Floridian team is undoubtedly the most popular American soccer side worldwide.

Although the Herons only just began MLS play in 2020, interest in the team skyrocketed after they signed Lionel Messi last summer. Despite now being 37, Messi remains one of the most popular sports…

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Author : Chris Moore

Publish date : 2024-10-19 18:36:00

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