Michel Platini’s Scathing Criticism of FIFA’s Club World Cup – Is It All About Money?

Khoshnaw Rahmani, JadeTimes Staff

K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering sport.

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Image Source: Stefan Wermuth

Platini vs. FIFA – A Battle Over Football’s Future

Michel Platini, the former UEFA President, has slammed FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup, calling it “nonsense” and accusing FIFA of putting money over football. With FIFA preparing for a 32-team version of the tournament in 2025, Platini argues that this event is commercially driven, lacks genuine competition, and could damage club football’s integrity.

Is he right? Or is FIFA truly expanding the global game?

Platini’s Key Criticisms – Why He Thinks the Club World Cup is a Mistake

1. Too Many Teams, Too Little Prestige

Platini insists that the expansion to 32 clubs will dilute the quality of the competition. Unlike the Champions League, which features elite teams battling over months, the Club World Cup crams matches into a quick tournament, making it feel more like a money-grabbing exhibition than a true contest.

2. Europe vs. The Rest – A Tournament Without Balance

Historically, European clubs dominate the tournament, often defeating South American teams with ease. Platini argues that the gap in quality between clubs from Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America makes the competition unbalanced. Since 2007, every single Club World Cup winner has been European—so is it really a “World” Cup?

3. Money Over Football – FIFA’s Push for Revenue

Platini believes FIFA is forcing this tournament to make money rather than to improve football. Reports suggest that the expanded Club World Cup could generate over $2 billion in revenue, with higher TV rights deals and big sponsorship opportunities driving the push.

FIFA’s Response – Why The Club World Cup Expansion Is Happening

Despite Platini’s criticism, FIFA has defended its decision, claiming: 

✅ Global Growth: Expanding the tournament allows clubs from Asia, Africa, and North America to compete on a world stage. 

✅ Financial Benefits: The Club World Cup will bring huge profits to participating clubs, helping them grow financially. 

✅ More Competitive Football: FIFA argues that global football is evolving, and teams outside Europe are improving, making this a fairer competition.

But does this justification hold up? Many experts and former players side with Platini, believing that FIFA’s focus is profit, not football’s integrity.

A Tournament That Divides Opinions

Platini sees the Club World Cup as an unnecessary, money-driven expansion that could harm club football’s competitive balance. FIFA claims it is growing the global game and giving teams outside Europe a chance to shine.

Is Platini right? Or does FIFA have a point? The debate continues as the football world prepares for the first-ever expanded Club World Cup in 2025.