Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: FIFA Club World Cup, Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, MLS
Jack Kenmare
Topics: FIFA Club World Cup, Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, MLS
FIFA has introduced a controversial NBA-style format to this summer's Club World Cup, although the decision has impacted kick-off times across its opening fixtures.
The first-ever 32-team FIFA Club World Cup got underway on Saturday as Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates came up against Egyptian Premier League side Al Ahly in what was an underwhelming 0-0 draw.
Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Inter Milan and Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain will also take part in the coming days alongside Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Porto and Juventus.
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Earlier this year, FIFA announced a prize pot of $1bn (£780 million) for this summer's tournament in the United States, so there is plenty at stake for those involved.
But so far, the spectacle has left much to be desired. For one, the overall interest from spectators has been underwhelming, with FIFA moving fans into different seats so it appears more full on the television broadcast.
And fans are becoming increasingly frustrated by the decision to introduce NBA-style player introductions, where each starter is announced individually before kick-off for added spectacle.
As you can see from the footage below, Messi was introduced by an announcer as he entered the Hard Rock Stadium pitch, with the new routine also seeing captains being announced last.
Here's how fans on social media have reacted to the introductions, which have caused delays to kick-off times.
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One said: "The absolute wokest thing about the Club World Cup is the players coming out of the tunnel individually. Absolute nonsense. Looks like they’re doing it for every game too.. delaying the kick-off times. The Americanisation of football is killing the beautiful game."
A second wrote: "Trying so hard to make it like the nba. This + the ads running during the game, if you wanna promote the game do it like it has been for years."
A third said: "The most pathetic thing I’ve ever seen," and a fourth commented: "They’ve made the competition so American that no one is interested in it. Had massive potential if they’d have just put it in Spain."
A fifth added: "This needs to be thrown in the bin immediately."
Thoughts on players being announced individually ahead of kick-off? Let us know in the comments.