FIFA ‘set to introduce huge rule change for Club World Cup next summer’ despite widespread backlash over expanded tournament

FIFA are poised to introduce a major rule change for the Club World Cup.

The expanded tournament, which will include 32 teams from six confederations, is set to take place in the USA from June 15 to July 13 next year.

Chelsea and Manchester City will be the two English clubs competing in the tournament as a result of winning the Champions League in 2021 and 2023 respectively.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also set to be involved.

Clubs from other continents that have qualified include Boca Juniors, River Plate and Al-Hilal.

As reported by Sky Sports, clubs will have to take their strongest squads to the tournament and field their strongest teams.

Despite the gruelling schedule faced by players, FIFA will not allow any stars to miss the tournament, even though it will take place during the off season.

FIFA will let member associations of all participating teams open their transfer window from June 1-10 2025, which would enable new signings to be registered before the tournament starts on June 15.

Clubs will also be permitted to replace players between June 27 to July 3 within a set limit.

Clubs will be forced to field their strongest players at the tournament – for instance Man City must play Erling Haaland

Chelsea will also be obliged to play their star players  such as Cole Palmer at the tournament

Players whose contracts expire on June 30 can extend their deals to July 13 so that they can take part in the tournament, with Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne one player who could fall into that category. 

FIFA president Gianni Infantino pushed for the expansion of the tournament, but there are concerns from within the game about the impact that the extra workload could have on players.