Is Club World Cup a step too far?

FIFA's expanded Club World Cup, which kicked off in the United States last Saturday (June 14), is a controversial addition to the global football calendar and one that could have a far-reaching impact on the sport in the years to come.

- AFP

The 32-team tournament, with US$1 billion (B32.4bn) in prize money on offer, has been crammed into an already overloaded schedule leading to concerns it will push elite players to breaking point.

It also threatens to upset the balance of domestic and continental club competitions, giving competing teams huge financial advantages over rivals.

Consider the leading clubs in Europe, which is sending 12 teams including Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea.

The chances are high that some will go deep into the Club World Cup, with a maximum of seven games to be played up to the July 13 final.

The riches on offer are extraordinary, up to a possible $125 million for the top-performing European team.

"The Club World Cup model affects the ecosystem of national leagues, especially in Europe," Javier Tebas, the president of Spain’s La Liga, told radio station Cadena Cope.