FIFA is facing serious issues with the popularity of the new, expanded format of the Club World Cup, reflected in poor ticket sales and empty stands. To mask this failure, FIFA has implemented a strategy of moving spectators in the stands directly in front of cameras to create the visual impression of full stadiums. This move has drawn criticism, but FIFA claims it is a common practice at major sporting events and contributes to a better atmosphere. While matches involving major European clubs attract interest, games with lesser-known teams struggle with ticket sales, especially at unattractive times. This situation comes at a time when FIFA is under pressure to justify the expansion of the tournament from 7 to 32 teams and the new month-long format.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the commercial failure and lack of genuine fan interest in the expanded Club World Cup format. They criticize FIFA’s tactic of moving spectators to create a false impression of popularity and question the legitimacy of the tournament’s expansion, highlighting the disconnect between FIFA’s ambitions and the actual fan engagement.
Center: Centrist sources report the facts about FIFA’s strategy to manage the visual presentation of the tournament amid poor ticket sales. They present both FIFA’s defense of the practice as standard in major sports events and the criticism it has received, providing a balanced view of the challenges faced by the new expanded format of the Club World Cup.
Right: Right-leaning media focus on the efforts by FIFA to maintain the image of success for the new Club World Cup format, emphasizing the presence of star players like Lionel Messi and the potential growth of global club football. They tend to downplay the negative aspects, framing the spectator moving tactic as a practical solution to enhance atmosphere and support the tournament’s long-term vision.
