Football’s governing body, FIFA, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) have officially announced a strategic partnership for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, set to kick off in the United States from June 14.
This collaboration marks another significant step by PIF in expanding its footprint in global sports, adding to its growing portfolio of investments across football, golf, and motorsport.
The FIFA Club World Cup has undergone significant makeover. From this edition onward the tournament has been expanded to 32 teams and will now be held every four years. In its previous version, only seven teams used to feature. These teams were the champions from six continental federations and the host nation’s league winners. The tournament used to be held every year. Earlier the tournament followed a knockout format with preliminary and quarterfinal rounds. In the revamped version there will be group stage followed by knockout rounds, like the FIFA World Cup.
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This new partnership also builds on PIF’s existing engagements in international football, including a previously announced collaboration with CONCACAF, the governing body for football in North and Central America and the Caribbean.
The move underscores PIF’s ambitions to play a leading role in shaping the future of global sport through high-profile partnerships and landmark events.
Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer team featuring Lionel Messi, is set to face Egypt’s Al Ahly in the opening fixture. The final will be played at the New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on July 13.
Prakhar Sachdeo
The Sportz Planet Desk
