Europe Win Again

Third world title in four years for Real Madrid

- Keir Radnedge

Real Madrid managed to maintain their stranglehold on the FIFA Club World Cup at an uncertain time for the world federation’s sole underwhelming venture into the club game.

Zinedine Zidane’s champions of Europe and Spain retained their grip on the world title and were triumphant for a third time in four years, beating South American title-holders Gremio of Brazil more comfortably in Abu Dhabi than the 1-0 scoreline might suggest. Outclassed South America sides have now won only one of the last 11 Finals.

However, a continuing lack of enthusiasm from Europe and its broadcasters raises questions about FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s idea of an expanded club world championship, one that may perhaps be held every four years as a replacement for the equally dubious Confederations Cup.

Ultimately, football competitions stand or fall by the credibility of the event rather than the need of governing bodies for platforms to reassure sponsors about visibility value for money. And this is even more urgent for FIFA after the refusal of major multinationals to engage with the World Cup in the wake of the firestorm of scandal.

FIFA Council will shortly review the federation’s competitive structure. A possible merger but greater frequency of youth tournaments is on the agenda as the governing body tries to balance more competitive activity without adding to the pressure on players and upsetting clubs who are already suspicious of what is around the calendar corner.