Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has strongly criticized FIFA’s newly restructured Club World Cup, calling it “the worst idea ever implemented in football.”
The legendary German coach, who led Liverpool to a Club World Cup title in 2019, didn’t hold back when speaking to German outlet Welt (via talkSPORT), sharing his frustration with how football’s global calendar continues to burden players with little regard for their wellbeing.
“The Club World Cup is the worst idea ever implemented in football in this regard,” Klopp said. “People who’ve never had anything to do with day-to-day business are coming up with ideas.”
Earlier this year, FIFA announced a major revamp of the Club World Cup, expanding the tournament to include 32 teams — a move that has drawn sharp criticism from within the sport. While the new format may promise higher financial returns, Klopp warns that it comes at too high a cost for players.
“I understand those who say, but there are insane sums of money for participation. But that isn’t for every club,” he pointed out. “Last year it was the Copa America and the Euro, this year the Club World Cup, and next year the World Cup. That means no real recovery for the players involved, neither physically nor mentally.”
Using his former captain as an example, Klopp added;
“A player in the NBA who also earns a lot of money has 4 months off every year. Van Dijk hasn’t even had that in his entire career. I don’t wish it on anyone.”
Klopp’s remarks reflect growing concern among coaches and players over the ever-increasing demands of international football. While the expanded Club World Cup aims to boost global visibility and revenue, its impact on player welfare may become a defining debate in the years to come.
