April 8 – Criticism for this summer’s expanded FIFA Club World Cup competition in the United States continues to be expressed by managers and players across global football, with Brentford FC boss Thomas Frank the latest to articulate his opinion.
Speaking about the congested football calendar following his team’s 0-0 draw against Chelsea at the weekend, Frank called FIFA’s club showpiece a “ridiculous” tournament.
“Who wants it? No one,” Frank said.”The addition of the Club World Cup is ridiculous in my opinion and there is a bigger conversation needed about the number of games being played over a year – but that is not for us and more for the teams in Europe.”
Frank joins the growing list of managers, including Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, who has called FIFA’s demands for clubs to field their “strongest squads” in the US hypocritical, given the lack of consideration for player welfare.
He also highlighted the physical toll on players, especially after long seasons, and questioned FIFA’s authority to enforce squad selections.
Former Liverpool manager and current head of global football at Red Bull, Jurgen Klopp, has also expressed strong feelings, having previously criticised the tournament’s scheduling, labeling it a “meaningless money grab” that prioritses revenue over player health. He warned that the expanded format would lead to “burnout” and injuries.
The FIFA Club World Cup will take place in the United States from 15 June to 13 July 2025, with Frank insistent that there is “no chance” he will be watching the competition.
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