FIFA is close to finalizing a broadcast deal for the upcoming Club World Cup, set to be held in the United States during the summer of 2025. The revamped tournament has undergone a significant expansion, increasing the number of participating clubs to 32 from its previous format. Among these clubs will be 12 representatives from Europe, including Manchester City and Chelsea from England.
While FIFA initially aimed for a broadcast package worth £3.2 million, recent reports indicate that the actual fee may be closer to £800,000. Notably, Apple TV+ has emerged as a potential buyer for the rights to the Club World Cup. If a deal is reached, the tournament could become exclusive to subscribers of Apple TV+, potentially restricting free-to-air access for fans.
Fifa executives, however, are concerned about the implications of such an arrangement, given that previous World Cup matches have been made available to viewers without subscription fees. Despite these concerns, Apple TV+ has already established a presence in sports broadcasting with its coverage of Major League Soccer (MLS) under a long-term deal worth £2 billion. The platform will also showcase the upcoming boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson in July.
The expanded Club World Cup tournament offers substantial financial incentives to participating clubs, with each club expected to receive a minimum of £43 million. The winner of the competition will be awarded an additional £80 million, creating a compelling incentive for top teams like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to participate. England has a strong record in the competition, with four teams (Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City) having won the title in previous editions.
