"Packed Stadiums" - FIFA Pleased with Club World Cup Attendance Numbers
FIFA caught off guard by attendance declarations for Club World Cup
Let's talk about the latest football buzz! FIFA is feeling rather chuffed with the ongoing Club World Cup. President Gianni Infantino can't stop raving about the vibrant and culturally diverse atmosphere that this competition has managed to generate.
Despite some less-than-full stands, the FIFA announced that an impressive 340,000 people attended the games during the initial three matchdays. The opening match between Al-Ahly FC and Inter Miami (0-0) in Florida's bustling metropolis sold out, with 60,927 spectators. And the game between Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético Madrid (4-0) was equally packed, with 80,619 fans cheering in the Rose Bowl of Pasadena.
Soccer Nearly 50,000 empty seats Chelsea's Victory in the "Bizarre" atmosphere FIFA is thrilled with the diverse and lively support the tournament has engendered, according to Infantino. As of now, about 1.5 million tickets have been sold for the 63 games leading up to the final on July 13. Fans from over 130 countries have snapped up tickets, with American viewers topping the list, followed by fans from Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico.
However, some games have fallen short in terms of attendance. The World Cup opener between Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense Rio de Janeiro (0-0) in New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, which holds 82,500 spectators, was attended by a mere 34,736 fans. And the 10-0 victory of FC Bayern Munich against Auckland City in Cincinnati drew a criticized low crowd of officially 21,152.
Sports Backlash against FIFA's Club World Cup: Team Selection Causes Frustration The face-off between FC Chelsea and Los Angeles FC in Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium made headlines. The stadium can accommodate 71,000 spectators, but only 22,000 were interested in catching the Club World Cup action. Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca expressed his sentiment, calling the atmosphere "strange."
Now, remember, the Club World Cup hasn't been smooth sailing for FIFA. There's been a fair amount of criticism regarding the selection of teams and attendance figures. The expansion of the tournament to 32 clubs has stirred up controversy, leading to scheduling conflicts, opposition from leagues and players. European leagues, particularly LaLiga under Javier Tebas, and the global players' union FIFPRO have expressed their disapproval. Even top players have threatened strikes if scheduling issues are not resolved. FIFA has attempted to appease critics by offering large financial incentives to participants, including securing the European Club Association's (ECA) approval, but criticism still lingers about the legitimacy and timing of the tournament.[2]
The Club World Cup is also grappling with a lack of star power and interest, particularly in the United States where the current edition is taking place. It's received minimal attention from major American TV networks and limited advertising, with local cities focusing on different priorities. This lack of public and media engagement contributes to poor attendance and the tournament's smaller-scale reputation compared to other competitions.[2]
This controversy sheds light on the challenges FIFA faces in elevating the tournament’s status, as it deals with concerns over team selection fairness, scheduling, player welfare, and fan interest.[2]
I'm not going to be able to do this, as I find the attendance numbers at the football games during the Club World Cup quite disappointing. Despite the vibrant and culturally diverse atmosphere, some of the games have seen a large number of empty seats, such as the match between FC Chelsea and Los Angeles FC in Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where only 22,000 spectators turned up.
