FIFA's Club World Cup: A League of Its Own—or Not?
FIFA justifies Club World Cup ticket sales despite low spectator numbers
The FIFA Club World Cup barely manages to hold its ground amidst swirling controversies, questionable attendance, and angst from both players and fans. Why so? Let's delve into the reasons.
Despite FIFA's efforts, the Club World Cup struggles with attendance inconsistency, with some games attracting full venues and others barely scraping the surface. For instance, while more than 80,000 spectators rejoiced over PSG's victory against Atletico Madrid, the recent scuffle between Ulsan HD and Mamelodi Sundowns in Orlando drew a dismal 3,412 fans. On the other hand, matches featuring lesser-known teams tend to draw smaller audiences[2][3].
Location and scheduling complications don't help either. Host cities sometimes deal with logistical challenges like traffic congestion and heat that can deter people from attending, particularly if the games are played on weekdays or sweltering afternoons[2]. Furthermore, local populations may be less motivated to attend if the teams involved don't have a significant following or prestige in the area[2].
Marketing and ticket pricing mishaps also play a role. Despite spending more than $50 million on advertising the tournament with the help of social media influencers, the results have been erratic[2]. Moreover, ticket pricing can act as a deterrent, as high prices may discourage casual fans, while low ticket sales can lead to last-minute price reductions, as observed in the case of the Chelsea game in Atlanta[2][3].
The Club World Cup also falls short in terms of prestige compared to other major competitions like the UEFA Champions League or the World Cup finals. Although the participating teams are undeniably successful with impressive trophy histories and large social media followings, the tournament's relative recency and the mix of club teams with varying renown make it seem less than a definitive global club championship[1].
In the end, the Club World Cup is not yet the beacon of international club football it intended to be. But FIFA is persistently working to elevate its status and global appeal[1][2][3].
Tune into the RTE Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available.
Despite the European leagues, such as the Premier League, garnering significant global attention for football, the Club World Cup struggles to match its prestige. Frequently, attendance at Club World Cup matches varies widely, with some games attracting massive crowds and others barely managing a fraction.
