The Athletic FC Podcast Was the Club World Cup worth it?
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Jul 14, 2025 Joining the discussion are Adam Crafton, a reporter for The Athletic FC who witnessed Chelsea's triumph, and Phil Hay, the lead writer for the newsletter. They delve into whether Chelsea's Club World Cup victory signifies a turning point for club football. The duo critiques FIFA's presentation and the authenticity of the event's success while weighing the financial gains against player welfare. They also explore soccer's challenges in the U.S., community support dynamics, and how attendance figures contrast with expectations.
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Infantino's Golden Era Claim
- Gianni Infantino claims the Club World Cup marks a new golden era for global club football.
- However, skepticism exists about it being a true success beyond FIFA's promotion.
Press Conference at Trump Tower
- Adam Crafton described attending a press conference in Trump Tower with FIFA legends behind Infantino.
- The ambience was odd with coffee noise sometimes drowning out Infantino's points.
Hype vs Football Quality
- The tournament is hyped heavily but some appreciate seeing rare club matchups like Boca Juniors vs Bayern Munich.
- Player bonuses and prize money encourage teams to take the tournament seriously despite mixed opinions.