Explained: Why Premier League and La Liga clubs could boycott expanded Club World Cup in 2025

Molango has been particularly vocal, expressing his discontent with the current direction of football’s governing bodies. “Football is killing its own product,” Molango told SunSport.

“Those who run the game need to listen. If they don’t, then as unions we have a responsibility to the players to take action — and the legal route is the next step. The governing bodies have had every chance to meaningfully engage with us on this, but they have failed to do so. Current player workloads are unsustainable. People are realising the amount of games being pushed into the fixture calendar just don’t fit.”

The crux of the argument against the expanded Club World Cup centres on player welfare. The new format includes three group matches followed by up to four knockout games, all to be played between June 15 and July 13. This tight schedule means players would return to action just two weeks after the Champions League final, leaving insufficient recovery time. International players’ union FIFPRO and the PFA have highlighted that this violates the minimum three-week break stipulated in professional contracts, increasing the risk of injuries and burnout.

While the tournament promises a substantial £600 ($762) million-plus prize fund, critics argue that the financial incentives do not outweigh the physical toll on players. Top clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea are set to participate, along with international stars such as Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich and Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid. However, the allure of monetary rewards does little to mitigate concerns over player health and sustainability.

Mounting pressure from major football stakeholders might force FIFA to reconsider its decision. It is reported that lawyers are already preparing legal documents in anticipation of a potential showdown, should FIFA refuse to adjust the tournament schedule.