For critics, athletes’ physical and mental health is at risk, with increasingly long seasons; On the other hand, there are those who defend the tournament, seeing in it an opportunity for growth for the sport
On the one hand, influential voices such as Jürgen Klopp, Raphinha Javier Thebes, president of the Spanish League, among others, criticize the competition, arguing that the already saturated calendar causes excessive wear to the players. For them, the athletes’ physical and mental health is at risk, with increasingly long seasons and less time for recovery.
On the other hand, there are those who defend the tournament, seeing in it an opportunity for growth for the sport. One of the main supporters is Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, an icon of German football, former player and brain scorer, who at age 69 remains influential as a member of the Bayern Munich Board of Directors.
Rummenigge, who has also been the club’s CEO for many years, has caused controversy in criticizing players’ complaints. For him, not just a sports competition, but a crucial source of revenue. “Salary in football only increases, and money needs to come somewhere,” he said, noting that the tournament can finance the athletes’ high salaries and bring financial benefits to clubs.
Rummenigge also countered the posture of critics, suggesting that players should “stop complaining” and focus on playing. He believes that the new format brings more emotion and engagement to fans, raising the level of global football. “The Club World Cup is an opportunity to show the best of sport,” he said.
The debate is far from a consensus. On the one hand, the legitimate concern with the well-being of the athletes; On the other, the view that it needs new sources of revenue to sustain its expansion. And you, which side are you on? Do you think the Club World Cup is a necessary evolution or an extra burden for players? Leave your opinion in the comments.
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the young Pan.
