French Football Union slam FIFA for taking Club World Cup to the United States
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FIFA president Gianni Infantino | Reuter

French Football Union slam FIFA for taking Club World Cup to the United States

Stephen Oladehinde 09:07 - 02.07.2025

The French National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) has strongly criticised the Club World Cup in the United States and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

This comes despite the unequivocal request from the European Court to abandon its policy of hegemony and include stakeholders—players, coaches, doctors, and clubs, who are currently presented with a fait accompli, in the decision-making process.

He doesn't care that PSG played their 62nd match of the season this Sunday, while four Ligue 1 clubs have already resumed training for the 2025/2026 season.

FIFA face criticism

Having attempted to defend its position, the French champion no longer has the slightest hope of adjusting its domestic calendar. Let's imagine PSG playing their 65th game of the season in New York, where the current Club World Cup final will be held.

Luis Enrique will then have just two weeks to prepare his team for the start of the league campaign. Mr Infantino, what do you have to say about that?" reads the statement published on the UNFP website, via Sportal.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Photo. Imago
FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Photo. Imago

"From his ivory tower, the head of FIFA remains indifferent to the fate imposed upon the world's top players by the international calendar, with 'his' Club World Cup proving the urgent need to end this bloodbath.

"He disregards players' physical and mental health for extra dollars while mocking and ignoring agreements that almost universally mandate a three-week mandatory rest period before the season."