The inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup presents an unprecedented opportunity for clubs from diverse continents to face off in competitive matches. This development is essential for the sport, particularly for clubs outside Europe, allowing them to showcase their talent on a global stage. South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns aims to demonstrate African excellence during the tournament. While FIFA's initiative aligns with President Infantino’s vision of inclusivity, concerns over player fatigue and organizational pressures illustrate the complexities faced by the sport amid this expansion.
"We're there to compete, but also to showcase what African excellence looks like," said Tlhopie Motsepe, president of South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns, who will play their inaugural game against South Korea's Ulsan on June 17.
Maybe the system is shot; maybe the hurdles are too great, and nobody outside the 15 or so clubs that constitute the European elite will ever be a global juggernaut.
Collection
[
|
...
]