Rahul Mukherji’s Post

🏆 The FIFA Club World Cup, originally the Inter-Continental Cup (1960-2004) featured champions from Europe and South America. 🔙 In 2005, their format evolved into a 7 team tournament, featuring champions of FIFA's six continental confederations and a host nation team. 🚀 In 2016, FIFA President Gianni Infantino proposed further expanding the tournament. Initially, a 24-team version was scheduled for 2021, but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, FIFA confirmed that a new 32-team format would debut in 2025. ⚽ The upcoming updated format will feature 8 groups of 4 teams, a structure more familiar to global football fans (32 teams) since it aligns with the famous FIFA World Cup structure. 📉 However, interest in the Club World Cup has declined significantly over the past decade - particularly among European fans - for more reasons than one. ⚔️ The timing, usually in December, often clashes with domestic fixtures, leading to lower attendance from supporters of Europe compared to South America, Asia, and other regions. ☀ The new schedule is now coming up in summer, in June. No wonder why! 🌏 Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, now a FIFA official, explained the objective behind this transformation: “In Europe, we are lucky, but it’s important that we make football really global, and this creates a chance for other clubs to progress. This is the real target.” ✅ Stay tuned as we explore everything surrounding the 2025 Club World Cup—from the star-studded participants and prize money to FIFA's challenges with TV rights, player welfare, and sponsorship deals! #Football #FIFA #FIFAClubWorldCup #GlobalFootball #FootballFans #FootballNews #FootballUpdates #Sports #BigHit

FIFA announced the calendar of 104 games for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Together he informed the 16 stadiums used during the tournament and their respective host cities. This will be the first World Cup organized by three countries, in 16 cities: 11 in the USA, three in Mexico and two in Canada. FIFA has separated the matches into three main areas — West, Central and East Coast — and each of the 48 teams will play the first phase within one of these regions. The teams will be divided into 12 groups in the initial phase. The two best countries in each group and the eight best third-placed countries will advance to the second phase, starting the knockout stage. The group stage will have 72 games, in all venues, and will take place between June 11th and 27th. The first part of the knockout stage will run from June 28th to July 3rd, in 14 cities. The round of 16 will take place in eight stadiums, between July 4th and 7th. The World Cup will only take place in the United States from the quarter-finals onwards. The last four game days of the group stage will feature six matches per day. All other dates in this stage of the World Cup will have four games per day. #Hospitality #GSM #WorldSoccerTournament2026 #Football #Soccer

I’m not interested in France’s Olympic football team,” said Michel Platini. The three-time Ballon d’Or winner believes football has no place in the Games, calling it “no Olympic sport.” Platini argues that football is included only because it fills stadiums and attracts spectators. As UEFA president from 2007 to 2015, he mentioned that FIFA never wanted the best players to participate in the Olympics, leading to nations fielding their "B, C, D teams" which he sees as pointless. While Platini's point has some merit, it can be critiqued. The Olympics, which included football from as early as 1900, predates FIFA, founded in 1938. The Games are an independent event not governed by FIFA. Moreover, the Olympics have been a platform for emerging talents like Lucas Moura, Alexandre Pato, Neymar, and Philippe Coutinho. For African nations, the Olympics have brought significant honor, with teams like Nigeria’s 1992 squad featuring Rashidi Yekini, Celestine Babayaro, and Taribo West, and Cameroon’s 2000 team with Samuel Eto'o. Zambia’s 1982 team, led by Kalusha Bwalya, also shone brightly. In 1992, the Olympics made adjustments to include players under 23, which further bolstered its reputation as a stage for young talent. In France, the Olympics can provide an opportunity for players like Sunday Olise, who may not get a chance in senior teams, to showcase their skills. Therefore, while Platini’s view has some valid points, the significance of football in the Olympics should not be underestimated. #Olympics #Football #MichelPlatini #UEFA #FIFA #LigueOne #PremierLeague #FootballNews #MidiLibre #EmergingTalent #SportsHistory

FIFA Women's World Cup 2027: It had to be America A few months ago, Brasil was appointed as FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 hosts (https://lnkd.in/dnHniBrd). I must admit, I was expecting the US/Mex bid to win until they dropped out. With so much happening in North America lately, it seemed like the right time and place. However, their plan to bid for 2031 with the same investment as a Men's World Cup will be definitely something to watch (https://lnkd.in/dvirtXet). Anyway, it was the right time for FIFA’s American members to vote for Brazil as new hosts and celebrate football. The strategic move by FIFA. It had to be America FIFA has made a smart move with the Women’s World Cup, and the future looks exciting. France 2019 was a game-changer, breaking records and giving a big push to European Women’s Football to evolve drastically (although some stakeholders realized/are realizing years after that, what else do they need?). Australia & New Zealand 2023 proved that Women’s Football is here to stay, even if the time zones made it hard for European and American fans to catch all the action. Football has always reigned in Europe and Latin America. Given the growing industry of women’s football, Brasil stands out as the ideal choice to host the next major football event, setting the stage for a monumental breakthrough. The first Women’s World Cup with an industry behind it In three years, women’s football is set to break even more records: major sponsorship deals, player transfers exceeding €1M (who will be the first one?), broadcasting and sponsorship agreements due to specific Women’s Football expertise (ie. UEFA deal with Two Circles is another one to follow), new brands finally getting in, and investments from investment groups like Kynisca, Mercury/13, as well as many more new players/VC/funds investing with both independent and non-independent clubs to further boost the sport. By 2027, women’s football will no longer be an emerging opportunity (it isn't already) but a fully established industry. Brasil's WWC 2027 will be the first Women's World Cup backed by a mature industry. What’s next for 2031? USA & Mex or UK? And then, what? Looking ahead, bids are already coming in from the UK, Saudi Arabia, and a joint USA/Mexico bid. The race for 2031 will likely come down to the UK or the US. After that, it will be time for Africa to take the spotlight. FIFA’s decision to appoint Brazil as the host for 2027 shows their commitment to growing women’s football and ensuring it gets the global attention it deserves. With the strong foundations laid by previous tournaments and the booming industry, the present (and future) of women’s football is bright (and looks incredibly brighter).

🤔 With the row over the number of games elite-level footballers play reaching a fever pitch over the last week or so, why are FIFA still so determined to press ahead with the revamped Club World Cup? 📞 As reported by The Athletic, last Friday there was an emergency meeting helmed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino himself, where he spoke with global television executives to try to stir up interest in the 32-team Club World Cup. 🫙With no sponsors, broadcast partners or venues announced nine months out from the proposed start of the competition, it’s fair to say it’s been a… less-than-ideal start. ❌ With the proposed Club World Cup overlapping with tournaments like Wimbledon, and the absence of storied club like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Barcelona, there is a hesitation to put up the kind of money FIFA are hoping for, both from sponsors and broadcast partners alike. 💰 For context, according to The Athletic, one US Media company estimated the North American rights for the Club World Cup to be around $30M, whereas Paramount are paying UEFA $250M/year to broadcast their European club competitions on CBS. 😵💫 Additionally, players are unhappy, with high-profile footballers like Rodri, Alisson, and Son Heung-min all expressing their displeasure with the mounting fixture list. 📊 But when you compare FIFA’s revenue to a governing body like UEFA’s, their attempt to launch this new version of the Club World Cup makes sense. Outside of World Cup years (such as 2018 and 2022), FIFA’s revenue drops significantly. Without regular high-profile events, they are an incredibly seasonal organisation from a revenue perspective. 🔄 With a 32-team competition like the Club World Cup, they hope to alleviate this issue by having another, Champions-League-style event to monetise during their 4-year cycles. 🥧 And in reality, FIFA isn't football’s only governing body trying to increase their share of the pie. Indeed, UEFA’s newly formatted European competitions are also exacerbating the issue. 🔗🔗🔗 To read the rest of this article, drop me a message and I can send you the link! #fifa #footballbusiness #uefa

#snsinstitutions #Snsdesignthinkers #designthinking "Kicking Dreams into Reality" Soccer, also known as football in most of the world, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players using a round ball with the objective of scoring more goals than the opposing team by kicking or heading the ball into the opponent's goal. History: The modern game of soccer originated in Britain in the mid-19th century, with the first official rules published in 1863. The sport gained popularity globally, and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was founded in 1904 to oversee international competitions. Popular Competitions: - FIFA World Cup: Held every four years, featuring national teams. - UEFA Champions League: Top European club competition. - English Premier League: Top English club league.

In 2030, the World Cup will make history by being hosted across multiple countries: Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with additional matches in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 World Cup, aligning with its significant investments in sports such as golf, baseball, and soccer/futbol. These upcoming events showcase a diverse array of cultures and nations preparing to welcome the world. As fans gear up for these global spectacles, it's crucial to be aware of potential challenges in host countries and the measures being taken to address them. Understanding how to navigate unfamiliar situations is key to ensuring a positive experience. To delve deeper into the initiatives being implemented, I recommend exploring FIFA's presentation at William Paterson University of New Jersey. This insightful resource sheds light on the proactive steps being taken to enhance fan experiences and address any concerns that may arise. Being informed and prepared is essential for fans attending these mega sporting events. By familiarizing yourself with available resources and preemptive measures, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable World Cup experience. [Link to FIFA's presentation at William Paterson University of New Jersey for further insights: https://lnkd.in/eSDqpw9V]

🌎 Controversy has started for FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Not surprising, but why? FIFA's decision to limit Europe's participation in next summer’s Club World Cup has caused discomfort. Only 2 European teams per league are guaranteed spots, and obviously, some of the richest clubs are not happy. UEFA clubs have dominated global football for years, but FIFA now wants to give other continents a bigger stage to compete. (Well, that sounds reasonable to me.) We'll have 32 teams competing in a new model for the competition, increasing representativeness and unpredictability. Will the traditional European powerhouses still dominate, or could we start to see a shift? 👀 This is set to be a tournament full of interesting matches yet intriguing conspiracies. What do you think - are these changes good for football, or is FIFA pushing too far? Let’s talk in the comments! 💬 P.S. We created a Free Football Community for everyone. 🔍 If you're a 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘂𝘁: https://lnkd.in/d_P2XvSu. 📋 If you're a 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵: https://lnkd.in/dy-ZpuGt. 📞 If you're an 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁: https://lnkd.in/dn9cSRbs.

#DYK in #NorthKorea’s women have to serve military for 7 years and NK women football team ranks 10th in the world? "#Russia’s women’s team hosted #NorthKorea for the second match in four days on Monday evening in western #Moscow." "Russia lost the first friendly match 3-0 and drew the second match 0-0 in what could be regarded as the world’s pariah state derby. " Astonishingly, North Korea’s women’s team is the 10th-best in the world. Its position on FIFA’s rankings, which is calculated via a performance-based points system, means it is higher than traditional football powerhouses like the #Netherlands, #Italy and #Argentina. They have excelled in continental tournaments, winning three Asian Cups, three Asian Games and three East Asian Championships." "Russia’s women’s team is 27th, but they have been prevented from accumulating points since they were suspended from FIFA in 2022." https://lnkd.in/gfgEzw5Q

🌏 12 European giants, including Real Madrid C.F.and Manchester City Football Club, 6 teams from South America, 4 clubs from Asia, Africa, and North & Central America and 1 from Oceania have qualified. As the host nation, the U.S. will also have 1 team in the tournament. 📆 The tournament will take place in June 2025, across 12 venues in 11 U.S. cities, with the final being held at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. ⁉ Top European clubs may not send their full-strength squads. Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti stated that clubs like Madrid might reject the invitation due to insufficient financial incentive and the demanding schedule. 👎 He remarked that "a single Real Madrid match is worth €20 million, but FIFA offers that for the whole tournament." Having said that, Real Madrid has confirmed their participation. Why the discrepancy? 💰 The total prize pool is €2.5 billion, with every participating team earning at least €50 million and the winner taking home up to €100 million. 🤞 The 2025 Club World Cup promises to unite the world’s top clubs and players, but with just months left, many questions remain. ❓ What do you think? How will FIFA address these challenges? #Football #FIFA #FIFAClubWorldCup #GlobalFootball #FootballFans #FootballNews #FootballUpdates #SportsBusiness #SportsNews #SportsBuzz #Sports #BigHit