FIFA Are Planning A Massive 24-Team Club World Cup

FIFA are planning a major revamp to the Club World Cup format, and it sounds right up our street.

The competition was introduced in 2000, following on from the Intercontinental Cup which saw the champions of Europe and South America lock horns.

2005 is when it became a full scale competition in 2005, with the best teams in Asia, Africa, North America and Oceania coming into the fold.

Six or seven teams usually take part in the four-stage round, with Yokahama, Marrakesh and Abu Dhabi the three premier locations for the tournament, which typically takes place in December each year.

However, according to a council member of FIFA, as per MARCA, the governing body are looking to shake things up by the time 2021 rolls around.

They are looking to have a 24-team tournament comprising of the very best teams across the globe, in all continents.

Image: PA

As opposed to the knockout format currently deployed, the 24 teams would be split into three groups of eight in a competition that would last 18 days.

Presently, only the champions of each confederation qualify - with the host nation's national league champions getting in. as well.

Image: PA

But the revised format would see twelve European teams, five South Americans, two from Africa, two from Asia, two from North America and one from Oceania.

Of the twelve representing Europe, four would be the semi-finalists of the Champions League that year, as per Mundo Deportivo - so if it was happening this year, Real Madrid, Juventus, Monaco and Atletico Madrid would all get in.

In recent years, the winners of the Copa Libertadores and Champions League have received byes to the semi-finals, whilst some nations have had to make do with a play-off and quarter final before they reach the last four.

Real Madrid are looking to win their third Club World Cup in four years next month. Image: PA

If the proposals do eventually come to fruition, we're in for a treat. There's no need for a Super League if this comes off, and there will be added interest from TV broadcasters, too. We're well onboard.

Thoughts on the plans? Sound off in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: FIFA

Topics: Football, FIFA, UEFA, Champions League, Real Madrid

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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