FIFA has announced a lucrative financial reward for the 32 participating teams in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025, set to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025.

The ultimate governing body of the football world had already announced a whopping USD 1 billion prize pool for the tournament earlier. On March 27th, Wednesday, FIFA confirmed that the champions of the newly-structured global club competition can take home a record prize money of USD 125 million.

Read Also | FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Draw: Groups, Format, and Schedule

FIFA has also announced a solidarity plan to elevate the current financial status of football around the globe, as FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed the target of an additional 250 million USD being provided to club football across the world.

FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Prize money distribution

FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced the financial rewards and the solidarity programme to help club football in a statement on Wednesday. Infantino stated the following:

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 prize money has been announced.

The winners will earn up to 125 USD million, with USD 1 billion of prize money going to the 32 participating clubs and a target of USD 250 million in solidarity for club football across the world. Critically, all revenue will be distributed to club football with FIFA’s reserves remaining untouched.

The distribution model of the FIFA Club World Cup reflects the pinnacle of club football and represents the biggest-ever prize money for a football tournament comprising a seven-match group stage and playoff format.

In addition to the prize money for the participating teams, there is an unprecedented solidarity investment programme which will undoubtedly provide a significant boost in our ongoing efforts in making football truly global.

Finally, FIFA will neither retain any funding for this tournament, as all revenues will be distributed to club football, nor will it touch FIFA’s reserves, which are set aside for global football development through the 211 FIFA Member Associations.

The prizes for the tournament will continue to increase as performance bonuses are paid, with a total of $475 million being divided according to the teams' performances. This will mean that the team who has the most wins in a possible seven matches will be able to take a share of a maximum prize fund of $125 million.

The format of this tournament has been professionally structured by FIFA along with the European Club Association (ECA) so that due payment can be made based on the stature and success of the teams taking part. Therefore, the competition will become the richest club tournament ever arranged in a seven-match format.

Significantly, top European teams will get a minimum of $40 million, with South American teams getting $15.21 million. Teams from CONCACAF, CAF, and AFC will all get at least $9.55 million, while Oceania teams will receive $3.58 million.

FIFA is reportedly considering the possibility of arranging a one-game play-off between Major League Soccer (MLS) club Los Angeles FC and Liga MX giants Club America to decide which team will represent the expelled Club Leon at the 2025 Club World Cup.  

🤯🇲🇽 BREAKING: FIFA has drawn up plans to hold a one-game playoff between Club America and LAFC to determine a replacement team for Club Leon at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. 🇺🇸🏆

Via @lizzy_becherano - @espn pic.twitter.com/ZVFSfcZPZ6

— All Fútbol MX 🇲🇽 (@AllFutbolMX) March 30, 2025

A FIFA spokesperson disclosed on Sunday that the organization is actively weighing the feasibility of this play-off match, whereas the winner of this playoff would also receive $9.55 million in prize money given by FIFA to teams qualified from the Concacaf zone.

However, FIFA's consideration does not include the Costa Rican side Deportiva Alajuelense after the club lodged a complaint in 2024, which led to Leon's subsequent removal from the tournament.

Read Also | FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Draw: Groups, Format, and Schedule

The controversial exclusion of Club Leon

Costa Rican outfit Alajuelense’s complaint regarding the multi-ownership issue initiated the investigation by the FIFA Appeal Committee back in November 2024, which eventually led to Club Leon’s exclusion.

FIFA announced the decision to expel the Mexican side Club Leon from the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup 2025 last week due to the club's shared ownership with Pachuca, another team that competes in Mexico's top division, Liga MX.

TODOS LO GANAMOS, JUNTOS LO DEFENDEMOS.

Más unidos que nunca.#SerFieraEsUnOrgullo 🦁 pic.twitter.com/BEXp7VbCjl

— Club León (@clubleonfc) March 31, 2025

Pachuca also qualified for the Club World Cup after winning the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup, while Club Leon earned its qualification after clinching the 2023 edition of the same tournament. However, Grupo Pachuca owns both the teams and holds stakes in Spanish side Real Oviedo and some other clubs as well.

This joint ownership violated the multi-club ownership requirements defined under Article 10, paragraph 1 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Regulations outlined by FIFA.

FIFA is considering a play-off game to replace Leon

According to different sources, FIFA is considering an unconventional approach to organize a single play-off game to determine which team would replace Club Leon in the competition.

Renowned football journalist Ben Jacobs has indicated a showdown between Club America and Los Angeles FC is on the cards, with the winner securing the coveted last place in the Group D, consisting of Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance.

The FIFA spokesperson stated the following on Sunday:

LAFC would participate as runner-up to Club Léon in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League through which Club Léon had qualified, Club América would participate as the top-ranked team in the FIFA Club World Cup confederation ranking through which qualification is also determined.

The winner of the play-off would qualify unless legal proceedings rule otherwise.

The plans to commence the process of arranging a play-off will begin if Club Leon loses their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to be reinstated to the Club World Cup.

CAS has called for a hearing on April 23 in Madrid, Spain, where Leon and Deportiva Alajuelense both will be presented the opportunity to put forward their arguments. Alajuelense had previously filed the complaint at CAS, asserting that León's inclusion was against FIFA regulations as they have also claimed a spot in the tournament instead.

Read Also | Costa Rican side Deportiva Alajuelense demand Club World Cup spot following Club Leon's exclusion

Both clubs must submit their legal documents by April 2, prior to the hearing on the 23rd. Any announcements concerning a possible substitute will likely not be made until the legal issues are settled.

"I think it's a grave injustice": James Rodriguez expressed his disappointment

The exclusion of Club Leon has heavily affected the Mexican side's talisman player, the Colombian star James Rodriguez. The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder did not hesitate to express his disappointment regarding this decision. He said:

I think it's a grave injustice. We all believe that. We won on the pitch. The club and the players are hurt by this. If we're out, it's not fair. The team that would replace us would be stained, and football would be stained.

So many fans have planned to travel to the tournament; how do you tell them that they can't go? I have a lot of questions about all this. It's odd. I think FIFA has to get their things together. Football is stained by this. 

ESPN revealed that when asked about qualifying for the tournament, Club América head coach Andre Jardine assured his team's eagerness to earn the spot by battling on the field. According to him:

León should go to the Club World Cup. I'm sad for the institution, and I'd like them to find a solution so they can go,

"If it doesn't happen, then América has been doing things well for a long time. It's true that they haven't yet won the Concacaf Champions Cup, which is a dream of ours and a very clear objective.

"We're leading most of the Mexican tournaments and the Concacaf ranking, which is one of the criteria. If you ask me if I want to go to the Club World Cup, of course it's true, but I'd like to go to the Club World Cup by achieving it on the field. That's what we're working towards.

However, nothing has been finalized yet, and FIFA will also have to wait until the CAS hearing is able to curve out any solutionary measure. 

Read Also | FIFA announce Club World Cup 2025 prize money: USD 1 billion pool, winner to get record USD 125 million

Bayern Munich's Canadian left-back Alphonso Davies will miss six months due to a torn ACL, ending his season. The left-back suffered the injury during Canada's 2-1 victory over the United States of America last weekend. As a result, he was replaced after just 12 minutes. Even though the players and coaching staff seemed initially upbeat. It appears that the problem is more serious than previously.

The Club revealed that Davies will now be sidelined for at least six months due to a tear in his right knee's cruciate ligament. This conclusion was made after tests on the issue were conducted in Munich on Wednesday. He is scheduled for surgery, on Wednesday.

Dayot Upamecano will be out for an extended period.

Fight your way back quickly, Upa! 🍀

🔗 https://t.co/ZM2SZfWqRY pic.twitter.com/N3r0B3GfcD

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) March 26, 2025

Bayern Munich, who continue to be in the running for the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League this season were depressed by the news. The team will also need to address Dayot Upamecano's absence for several weeks due to left knee soreness.  So, Alphonso Davies' news is not the only issue for the Bavarians from the international break.

🚨 Bayern confirm Alphonso Davies has suffered ACL injury and he will be out for 6 months.

Dayot Upamecano will also be sidelined for several weeks with loose joints in his left knee. pic.twitter.com/Iai9gdgs9X

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 26, 2025

Alphonso Davies would not participate in the UEFA Champions League or the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. Vincent Kompany, the head coach of Bayern Munich, is disappointed by the news, as his team is trying for both the German title and the European cup this season.

Alphonso Davies has suffered an ACL tear.

Get well soon, Phonzy! We are all with you! ❤️

🔗 https://t.co/ZM2SZfWqRY pic.twitter.com/wGUafP5G8a

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) March 26, 2025

Alphonso Davies has been a consistent member of the Bayern Munich team, this season. In 30 games across all the competitions, he contributed three goals including two assists. With eight games remaining in the Bundesliga title race, Bayern Munich led Bayer Leverkusen by six points. Next Month, the German giant will play Inter Milan in a crucial UEFA Champions League quarterfinal match.

Sporting Director Max Eberl on the injuries to Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano. 💬

🔗 https://t.co/ZM2SZfWqRY pic.twitter.com/lws2CffBFY

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) March 26, 2025

The Bavarians have been hit with a massive setback as they will miss Alphonso Davies for the remainder season, which means Vincent Kompany will have to play his alternative. Alphonso Davies has been impressive for the Bavarians under Vincent Kompany. His presence was significant for the team in the matches, helping them maintain their lead at the top of the table and keeping their UEFA Champions League aspiring alive.

FIFA announced on Friday, March 21st, that the FIFA Appeal Committee has decided to exclude Mexican side Club Leon from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

Top Mexican side Club Leon kicked out of FIFA Club World Cup after failing multi-club ownership rules.

Replacement club still tbc pic.twitter.com/HaSkmWv7FR

— Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) March 21, 2025

The decision has been made due to the violation of FIFA regulations that prohibit multi-ownership among teams competing in the same tournament.

However, Costa Rican side Deportiva Alajuelense have sparked up significant controversy as they have claimed the vacant slot in an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), alleging that Leon and Pachuca, the Mexican clubs sharing common ownership, should be debarred from the tournament.

❌ 2025 Club World Cup currently have 31/32 clubs confirmed, after removal of 🇲🇽 Club León due to a multi-club ownership.

🇨🇷 Alajuelense from Costa Rica, which filed this complaint in the first place, are the most likely replacement, but FIFA are yet to confirm that. pic.twitter.com/tS6PA65kBY

— Football Rankings (@FootRankings) March 22, 2025

Read Also | FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Draw: Groups, Format, and Schedule

Club Leon's exclusion from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025

FIFA confirmed on Friday that Club Leon failed to meet the criteria stated in Article 10, Paragraph 1 of the tournament regulations. The Club ownership rule has been explained in this article, which clearly states the following: 

No individual or legal entity may have control or influence over more than one club participating in the Competition, such control or influence being defined in this context as:

i) holding a majority of the shareholders’ voting rights;

ii) having the right to appoint or remove a majority of the members of the administrative, management or supervisory body of the club;

iii) being a shareholder and alone controlling a majority of the shareholders’ voting rights pursuant to an agreement entered into with other shareholders of the club; or

iv) being able to exercise by any means a decisive influence in the decision-making of the club. 

According to these rules, Club Leon failed to comply with the regulation as they are owned by Grupo Pachuca, which also owns Pachuca, another Mexican side participating in this tournament from the Concacaf spot.

FIFA stated in an official statement that "Pachuca and Club León failed to meet the criteria on multi-club ownership". The statment says:

After having evaluated all evidence on file, the chairman of the FIFA Appeal Committee has decided that CF Pachuca and Club León failed to meet the criteria on multi-club ownership defined under article 10 paragraph 1 of the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.

In line with article 10 paragraph 4 of the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, FIFA has determined that Club León will be removed from the competition, with the club to be admitted as a replacement to be announced in due course.

Recently, representatives from the Pachuca and Leon football clubs met with FIFA to insist that the two clubs operate independently, even though they share some shareholders. Despite the efforts, FIFA was not convinced and ruled against Leon, leaving another controversy concerning the participating teams.

Club Leon earned their place in the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup as they won the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2023, a tournament that was also won by Pachuca in 2024, ensuring their qualification as well.

Leon decided to appeal against FIFA's decision

Bajan del Mundial de Clubes a un equipo mexicano 🔽

Vaya lío se fue metiendo la #FIFA. Alajuelense se la jugó y, aunque tampoco tiene algo asegurado, sí movió la rama y sacudió el ambiente.

Embrollo para nombrar al sustituto y embrollo también porque vendrá apelación. pic.twitter.com/483qFbneEU

— Alex Gaitán (@AlexGaitanCR) March 21, 2025

Pachuca and Club Leon published an official club statement following the decision, stating that they are "dissatisfied with this decision" and will "defend what was earned on the field in a fair". The statement is as follows:

We have just been informed by FIFA that one of the two teams: Pachuca and León, participants in the 2025 Club World Cup, will be excluded from the competition. We are dissatisfied with this decision, and we will appeal it to the highest levels, including the highest sports tribunal, as all the evidence and documentation proving our administrative and sporting independence were presented in a timely and transparent manner.

In our case, we will defend what was earned on the field in a fair, professional manner, and in accordance with the competition rules.

Mikel Arriola, the Mexico Football Federation president, has also assured that they will fight for "Liga MX to keep its three spots" in the upcoming tournament. He said:

Technically, we will push for that. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee is the one with the authority to define spots and quotas for each league, but we will certainly defend our three spots,

There is constant communication with Club León. Since this decision became known, I have been in contact with the Pachuca Group, but I believe we all need to be very cautious and wait for a process among all parties, in this case between a club and FIFA. We will remain attentive. It’s a legal process that will need to be supported by both the League and the Federation. There will be an appeal, and we will remain attentive and wait.

Víctor Montagliani, the Concacaf president, has also shown his support for Club Leon regarding this incident. The Concacaf chief expressed his support via a statement during an interview with TUDN México.

I support León because they won the ConcaChampions on the field. We hope that at the end of this legal process, León will be allowed to play in the Club World Cup,

Club Leon has decided to appeal against FIFA at CAS with the backing of Concacaf, along with Liga MX, which already has Monterrey and Pachuca as participants in the Club World Cup.

VERSIÓN OFICIAL pic.twitter.com/V71yytjRh0

— Club León (@clubleonfc) March 19, 2025

Leon was drawn in Group D along with the English side Chelsea, Brazilian side Flamengo, and Tunisian side Esperance. However, the vacant berth left by Leon has been targeted by clubs such as Alajuelense, Club America, Tigres UNAL etc.

Alajuelense’s previous complaint and CAS appeal

Interestingly, Alajuelense’s complaint regarding the multi-ownership issue initiated the investigation by the FIFA Appeal Committee, leading to Club Leon’s exclusion.

🚨Comunicado oficial🚨Liga Deportiva Alajuelense presenta reclamo ante FIFA por el Mundial de Clubes 2025. https://t.co/yUTdLnWu4j

— Alajuelense Oficial (@ldacr) November 20, 2024

The Costa Rican side is the most well-positioned team at this moment to take the vacant spot left by Club Leon in the Club World Cup, as it currently holds the highest ranking in Concacaf, excluding clubs from MLS and Liga MX, which have already been assigned their entitled spots.

Alajuelense also won the Concacaf Central American Cup consecutively in 2023 and 2024, strengthening their argument to be awarded a spot in the Club World Cup.

Alajuelense quickly responded to comments made by Víctor Montagliani, the president of Concacaf, who publicly expressed support for Club Leon. 

LDA condena declaraciones del presidente de CONCACAF. pic.twitter.com/RMlbM3aFZY

— Alajuelense Oficial (@ldacr) March 24, 2025

The Club condemned the comments by Montagliani in an official statement published in the Club's socials. The statement partly reads:

In these statements, Mr. Montagliani expressed his explicit support for Club León—an institution currently excluded by FIFA due to violations of integrity rules related to multi-ownership—and expressed his desire for the club to be reinstated in the tournament, disregarding the ongoing legal process before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS), initiated by our institution.

Both Liga Deportiva Alajuelense and Club León are part of CONCACAF. Therefore, the statements of the president of the Confederation constitute a serious transgression of the duty of neutrality, the principle of impartiality, and the institutional loyalty that should govern the actions of any international sports authority.

Alajuelense have stirred up an intentional controversy with some strong backings

Alajuelense have put up argument that they must replace Club Leon immediately, but their case does not appear to be founded on the set rules or their acknowledgement. The club contends that if Leon is eliminated, they should be considered as the replacement from the Concacaf zone. 

Their arguments are based on the rules that dictate that there must be only two teams from one nation. At present, the US has two qualified teams: Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami (the latter being a controversial choice). Two qualified teams from Mexico are Pachuca and Monterrey.

Alajuelense have claimed that they are the next highest-ranked team and, as such, should be part of the competition. But the ranking they are quoting is an unofficial club ranking published by the IFFHS, which is not recognized by Concacaf or by FIFA.

Even if it was accepted, the second-placed team would not automatically qualify; they will have had to earn that right through the relevant qualifying tournaments, as the rules state.

FIFA will have the final say on which team will play in case Club Leon lose its appeal with the CAS and remain excluded from competition. This ruling could also provide the choice of inserting a third team from either Mexico or the USA since there are several teams from both nations ranked higher than Alajuelense.

Comunicado Oficial pic.twitter.com/zkH7HFmjNz

— Club León (@clubleonfc) March 21, 2025

Looking at the parties to the Alajuelense case poses many questions about possible destabilizing agendas. Alajuelense's legal team has close ties with Spain's La Liga and its top leadership. There is also a cooperation between La Liga and Costa Rica's league authority, UNAFUT.

The alliance is serious, as witnessed by the recent appointment of former La Liga executive José Carlos Loaiza Gallego as UNAFUT's executive director. La Liga and its president, Javier Tebas, have repeatedly attacked FIFA and the role of the Club World Cup in the football calendar.

Since UNAFUT has adopted a dissenting position and is pursuing lawsuit outside Europe, there is no sign that they will desist from trying to create confusion around this topic.

INACEPTABLE pic.twitter.com/tV9Y4Bf8ZF

— Club León (@clubleonfc) March 21, 2025

Club Leon is not yet out of the Club World Cup. Grupo Pachuca has provisions on the books similar to those of UEFA competitions which permit two teams with the same ownership to be in the competition at the same time.

CAS can rule that these provisions are adequate to permit Club Leon to remain in the competition, alleviating any doubt about conflicts of interest and potential manipulation.

Football in 2024 includes creating milestones, late dramas, superb goals, and glorious comebacks. It was a year to remember for football fans around the world. But the excitement doesn't stop here, as there are more to come in 2025 in terms of the biggest and most popular football matches are concerned. So, hurry up! Mark down the key dates in your calendar.

Here are the key dates of the biggest and most popular matches in 2025, including fierce derbies and the games that could change the respective league table entirely or result in promotions in the coming months are as follows:

Biggest Football Matches in January 2025: 

Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United, a thrilling contest!!

Nottingham Forest are looking sharp! And they are definitely aiming to beat Liverpool fc at home on 14th January, to remain active in the title challenge race. Elsewhere, in Champions League top European Clubs will battle for the ultimate European glory. Manchester City and PSG are odds to be relegated, and Atletico Madrid could overtake Bayer Leverkusen and confirm their place in the next round.

Read Also | Liverpool vs Manchester United Highlights | An improved United take a point away from Liverpool in a record night for Salah

UEFA Europa League could also provide shocks as Rangers might surpass struggling Man United and confirm their berth for the next round if they manage to beat Red Devils, and Galatasaray could find themselves below Ajax in the table if Ajax manages to beat them.

From the Cup's point of view, Arsenal will face Manchester United in an F.A. Cup encounter and again the Gunners will go face to face with mighty New Castle United at the Carabao Cup Semi-final 1st leg on 8th January, and Tottenham will go head-to-head against Liverpool on 9th January. On 15th January, Tottenham will face Arsenal, in a high-voltage North-London Derby.

Key Dates of the Biggest Football Matches in January 2025

Biggest Football Matches in February 2025:

A Month of Fierce Rivalries!!

Top Derbies that are included in February are Marseille vs. Lyon, AC Milan vs. Inter Milan, Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid, Paris St. Germain vs. Monaco and Juventus vs. Inter Milan. Atletico has the chance to surpass Real Madrid and could find themselves at the top of the La Liga table.

In Carabao Cup, Newcastle will face Arsenal at home and Tottenham will be going Anfield to face one of their toughest matches of the season against Liverpool.

Key Dates of the Biggest Football Matches in February 2025

Biggest Football Matches in March 2025:

Teams can turn the League Table in their favour! Last UEFA Nations League for Ronaldo and Modric??

Inter could overtake Napoli, Dortmund could surpass Leipzig and move into the Champions League spot; Barcelona could overtake Atletico Madrid and move into 2nd spot; Inter has the chance to surpass Atlanta and could find themselves at the top of Serie A. Chelsea will face Arsenal on 15th March at Emirates Stadium, popularly known as " The London Derby".

Some of the biggest international matches scheduled for March are the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals between European Football Super Giants. This could be possibly the last Nations League for Ronaldo and Modric. 

Key Dates of the Biggest Football Matches in March 2025

Biggest Football Matches in April 2025:

A month of Fierce and Local Derbies!!!

Manchester City has a chance to avenge home defeat at Old Trafford against their arch-rival in Manchester Derby. Other local derbies include Merseyside Derby, Bavarian Derby, London Derby, Der Klassiker, Derby della Capitale, West London Derby, Derby Rhone-Alpine and Derby Breton.

Key Dates of the Biggest Football Matches in April 2025

Biggest Football Matches in May 2025:

Arsenal Vs. Liverpool- "League Decider"! EL Clasico!! Champions League Final!!!

The match between Liverpool Vs. Arsenal on 10th May has already been considered a " League Decider" by several pundits. "El Clasico", is also scheduled on 11th May, which is going to be played at Bernabeu, as Real Madrid are aiming to avenge their home defeat against Barcelona. The month will be ending with the UEFA Champions League Final.

Key Dates of the Biggest Football Matches in May 2025

Biggest Football Matches in June 2025:

A month dedicated to the FIFA Club World Cup!

Top Clubs from all over the world will battle for the greatest glory of World Club Football. Legendary European Club Teams like Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Juventus, Porto, Benfica and Top South American Club Teams like Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense and Major Asian Club Team like Al-Hilal and many more will battle for the ultimate glory.

Key Dates of the Biggest Football Matches in June 2025

So, that concludes the key dates of the Biggest Matches in 2025. Go ahead! Mark the dates on your calendar so that you don't miss any of the thrilling games from the list mentioned above. And let me know what your favourite club or International Team is in the comment box. For more updates and accurate pieces of information, kindly follow Sportz Point!

Read Also | West Ham vs Manchester City English Premier League 2024-25 Highlights | Erling Haaland scores his eight EPL hat-trick as Man City goes top of the table following a 3-1 victory over the Hammers

We are available on all Meta Platforms, or you could follow the author's page to stay connected with Sportz Point. Our site is used to cover the Biggest Football Matches via Live Blogs, match previews and reviews.

The Australian Professional Footballers Union has slammed FIFA after the governing body awarded 2034 World Cup hosting rights to Saudi Arabia following the conclusion of the FIFA Congress on 11 December 2024.

The Union did not welcome the decision and mentioned the severe human rights issues that are at risk in the Gulf nation. They also questioned FIFA's ability and readiness to prevent the continuation of human rights violations in Saudi Arabia. 

The official statement

Professional Footballers Australia head Beau Busch stated the following in an email to Reuters:

The significant human rights risks linked to this tournament are well-documented,

By securing hosting rights to the global game’s most prestigious event, Saudi Arabia and FIFA must ensure the rights of everyone affected by the 2034 Men’s World Cup are upheld and safeguarded.

However, FIFA’s ongoing governance failures and lack of accountability to its own human rights commitments leave no assurance that harm can or will be prevented.

Read Also | Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid: FIFA is reportedly overlooking reports on human rights abuses

The discussions

The awarding of the 2034 FIFA World Cup hosting rights to Saudi Arabia has sparked controversy in a never-seen manner, as human rights activists, including the Australian Association and LGBTQ activists, have all expressed concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights records.

Additionally, migrant worker groups and trade unions have also raised alarms about the potential exploitation of workers in the World Cup after the issues that were raised years before the Qatar World Cup commenced in 2022. According to Reuters, Saudi Arabia has denied accusations of human rights abuses and said that it protects its national security through its laws.

This is not the first time that people related to Australian football have been vocal critics of human rights issues around the globe. Australian national men's football team released a video message condemning Qatar's record on human rights and LGBTQ+ rights ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Football Australia, the governing body of Australian football, supported the players' stance and later objected to Saudi Arabia's sponsorship of the 2023 Women's World Cup, citing concerns over the kingdom's human rights record.

A message from the Socceroos. pic.twitter.com/Sd2R6ej8kK

— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) October 26, 2022

However, after Qatar in 2022, another World Cup in West Asia will disrupt the traditional football calendar just like it did in 2022. Saudi will supposedly host the World Cup in November-December of 2034 which will significantly affect the footballers. Qatar hosted 32 teams for the 2022 World Cup, but Saudi will host 48 teams as the grand event will need a more expanded and flexible timeframe to organize.