He Club World Cup 2025 got its first official sponsor after the criticism received by the FIFA for the organization of the tournament. In search of strengthening its influence in the football field, China decided to bet on the contest to be held in USA starting June 15 of next year.
In an effort to consolidate its brand in the global market, the multinational Hisense will be present in the system OURexpanding its relationship with FIFA in a tournament that is already facing criticism, among other issues, due to the saturation of matches and its impact on the players.
FIFA announced the agreement last week in the eastern megalopolis of Shanghaiwith the president of the football entity, Gianni Infantinoy Jia Shaoqianpresident of Hisense, who highlighted the role of technology in the modernization of football.
Infantino expressed his satisfaction with the sponsorship, highlighting this company’s commitment to innovation, which he said aligns with FIFA’s vision. Jia, for his part, noted that the tournament “brings together the best clubs from six confederations”, which reflects the champion spirit of his company.
However, the event faces obstacles: FIFPRO, LaLiga and the Association of European Leagues have expressed their concerns, filing complaints about “calendar abuse.”
Rodri, one of the players who expressed his discomfort with the calendar. Photo: EFE / EPA / MOHAMMED BADRA.
The Spanish of Manchester City and recent winner of Ballon d’Or, Rodrigo Hernandezbetter known as Rodri, warned about a possible strike due to the impact of the saturation of matches and, shortly after, suffered a serious injury with a torn cruciate ligament, which intensified the debate.
Europe’s claim to FIFA for the Club World Cup
The football leadership in Europe aligned itself behind the players and remains reticent about the chance to play in the Club World Cup in June due to the load of matches that will come at the end of an already exhausting season.
Recently, the president of LaLiga, Javier Tebas, spoke directly to Infantino in a speech calling on him to give up his desire to promote this competition that has not yet been played but generates as many hopes as it does controversy. “It is not necessary for the players, nor for the clubs, nor for FIFA and the only thing it does is disorganize,” Tebas said.
And he went further: “President of FIFA, you know that you have not sold the audiovisual rights for the budget you said. You know that you do not have the sponsorships as you had budgeted and you know that the leagues and the players’ union do not want that World Cup.” , withdraw that World Cup now.”
Javier Tebas, tough on FIFA. Photo: EFE / EPA / OLIVIER HOSLET.
It was during his speech at the Second Forum of the Union of European Clubs, held in Brussels. Tebas said that if FIFA is going to use its funds for that competition it will be “taking them away from all those places where it says it is there to help” and spoke of more than 1.5 billion euros.
Beyond the uncertainty that comes from the Old World, FIFA already has 31 of the 32 teams classified for the Club World Cup: the last will be the winner of the Copa Libertadores, Atlético Mineiro or Botafogo. According to one of the latest announcements from the mother house of planetary football, the draw for the competition will be held in the month of December.
The presence of Messi, key for the arrival of China
China has shown growing interest in the sports sponsorship internationally, with different football events on its radar.
There are more Chinese companies that use sports as a platform for marketing; companies such as the smartphone brand Vivo and the automotive company BYD that have also opted for European football, showing that sport is a strategic field for Chinese brands in their global expansion.
In particular, the interest in the Argentine Lionel Messi It’s obvious. His participation in the Club World Cup with Inter Miamiwhich will host and play the opening match of the tournament, could increase the global audience and impact of the Chinese brand, which already took advantage of the media impact of the Rosario player during his time at PSG, a Hisense partner.
Gianni Infantino congratulates Lionel Messi, winner of the MLS Supporters’ Shield with Inter Miami. Photo: AP Photo / Lynne Sladky.
Argentina, with the figure of Messi, is one of the most popular teams in the Asian giant, and brands such as Yili and Mengniu opted for the sponsorship of the albiceleste team and its captain, respectively.
Messi’s success in China, where he has millions of followers on platforms such as Weibo and Douyin, demonstrates the value of associating with the Argentine star, despite what happened at the beginning of the year, when he sparked a controversy for not participating in a match of the Inter Miami in Hong Kong.
The teams classified for the 2025 Club World Cup
Real Madrid (ESP) – Europa
Manchester City (ING) – Europa
Bayern Munich (ALE) – Europe
Inter Milan (ITA) – Europe
Manchester City, one of the favorites for the Club World Cup. Photo: AP Photo/Darren Staples.
Borussia Dortmund (ALE) – Europe
Atlético de Madrid (ESP) – Europe
RB Salzburg (AUT) – Europe
Boca dreams of playing a good role in the Club World Cup. Photo: Marcelo Carroll.
Palmeiras (BRA) – South America
Flamengo (BRA) – South America
Fluminense (BRA) – South America
River (ARG) – South America
Atlético Mineiro or Botafogo (depending on who wins the Copa Libertadores) – South America
Al Ahly SC (EGI) – Africa
Esperance de Tunis (TUZ) – Africa
Mamelodi Sundowns (LDS) – Africa
Marcelo Gallardo redesigns his River with his sights set on the Club World Cup. Photo: Marcelo Carroll.
Urawa Red Diamonds (JAP) – Asia
Ulsan Hyundai (COS) – Asia
Monterrey (MEX) – Concacaf
Seattle Sounders (USA) – Concacaf
Club León (MEX) – Concacaf
Inter Miami (USA) – Concacaf
Auckland City (NZL) – Oceania
The Club World Cup 2025: A Match Made in High-Pitched Criticism
Ah, the Club World Cup! The shining beacon of global football, or as some might say, the latest episode of a tragic comedy that even Rowan Atkinson could write. It’s got everything: questionable decisions, overhyped matches, and a dash of corporate sponsorships. Even FIFA, the world’s most infamous absconders of football logic, found a first official sponsor in Hisense. Seems they decided to dive right into the controversy swirling around this tournament like a confused seagull over a beach picnic.
Now, let’s talk about China, shall we? Determined to flex its muscles on the international football stage, it’s backing this fiasco, set to kick off in the USA come June 15, 2025. Because nothing says “we love football” like a bit of corporate sponsorship and a load of mismatched match schedules.
Infantino—I can just hear the laughter of every football fan groaning at the mention of his name—has hailed this as a marriage made in marketing heaven. It’s the perfect blend of business buzzwords and lofty aspirations. I mean, there’s nothing quite like announcing a sponsorship with a tech company in the vibrant city of Shanghai, while fingers are crossed behind your back hoping that no one brings up the inevitable complaints about “calendar abuse.”
The Inevitable Player vs. Calendar Showdown
Oh, and speaking of complaints, enter stage left: FIFPRO, LaLiga, and the Association of European Leagues, all ready to pick a fight with FIFA over this. It’s like watching cats argue over the last piece of tuna. Rodri, fresh off collecting a shiny Ballon d’Or, expressed his vocal unease about juggling matches like a clown at a children’s party. And then—drama alert!—he promptly goes and injures himself. Talk about throwing fuel on the fiery debate!
The audacity of football organizations to pretend they care about player well-being while simultaneously cramming their calendars fuller than a Christmas turkey is comical—if it weren’t so tragic. Javier Tebas, the president of LaLiga, even implored Infantino to reconsider this whole charade. “It’s not necessary for anyone and does nothing but disorganize,” he said, as the audience applauded while desperately trying to hide the laughter at FIFA’s expense.
The Mighty Influence of Messi
Let’s not forget the glamour—the star attraction of this production: Lionel Messi. His participation with Inter Miami is expected to pull in viewers faster than any influencer can post a breakfast selfie. China, clearly smitten with Messi’s charisma, is banking on his star power to elevate the brand exposure for Hisense. It’s truly a match made—not in heaven, but possibly in a marketing boardroom!
With Messi’s massive following on platforms like Weibo and Douyin, it’s evident that getting him in the frame is a strategic goldmine. But let’s hope this doesn’t turn into a repeat of earlier controversies where he skipped a match in Hong Kong—imagine how red the faces will be if that fiasco unfolds again!
The Future: Teams and Tantrums
As for the teams competing, there are 31 of the 32 spots filled for this oh-so-riveting Club World Cup. Some big names like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and others have secured their places, but that last spot is still up for grabs with the upcoming Copa Libertadores. It’s like the final rose in a dating show—who will claim it?
So there we have it, folks. The Club World Cup in 2025 could either be a landmark success or yet another punchline in the ever-expanding comedy of errors that is international football. Will it be a spectacle drawing fans in their millions, or merely a bloated exhibition of corporate greed wrapped in a footballing facade? Only time—and perhaps a few more injury reports—will tell. Until then, keep your popcorn handy and brace yourself for a show like no other!
In a bid to strengthen its standing in the world of football amidst significant criticism surrounding its organizational decisions, FIFA announced that the Club World Cup 2025 has secured its inaugural official sponsor. The tournament is set to commence on June 15, 2025, in the USA, and China has seized the opportunity to enhance its influence in international sports by investing in this high-profile event.
The multinational electronics giant Hisense aims to cement its brand presence on a global scale by sponsoring the OUR system, expanding its partnership with FIFA during a tournament that has already attracted scrutiny for its congested scheduling and potential repercussions on player welfare.
FIFA unveiled this landmark sponsorship deal in Shanghai, where the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, met with Jia Shaoqian, the president of Hisense. Both leaders underscored the transformative role of technology in modernizing football, indicating a forward-thinking approach to the game.
Infantino expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, praising Hisense’s dedication to innovation as perfectly aligned with FIFA’s overarching vision for football’s future. In a nod to the competitive spirit, Jia highlighted that the tournament “brings together the best clubs from six confederations,” reinforcing the notion of global excellence that Hisense embodies.
Nevertheless, the tournament is not without its challenges: prominent organizations such as FIFPRO, LaLiga, and the Association of European Leagues have voiced their concerns by filing complaints regarding “calendar abuse,” vocalizing the potential strain this could place on players.
The Spanish midfielder of Manchester City and recent Ballon d’Or winner, Rodrigo Hernandez, better known as Rodri, has raised alarms about the overload of matches, going so far as to suggest that a player strike could be on the horizon due to these scheduling pressures. His worries, unfortunately, took a more serious tone when he sustained a severe injury with a torn cruciate ligament, adding fuel to the ongoing debate about player welfare in relation to the tournament.
Europe’s claim to FIFA for the Club World Cup
European football authorities have rallied around the players’ concerns, echoing reservations about participating in the Club World Cup scheduled for June, particularly given the already grueling match calendar at the season’s end. Recent comments from the president of LaLiga, Javier Tebas, directly addressed Infantino, advocating for a reconsideration of the push to introduce this high-stakes tournament that has already sparked considerable controversy and uncertainty.
During his address at the Second Forum of the Union of European Clubs held in Brussels, Tebas challenged Infantino to abandon plans that are perceived to complicate rather than support the players and clubs. “It is not necessary for the players, nor for the clubs, nor for FIFA and the only thing it does is disorganize,” he asserted, urging FIFA to withdraw the tournament altogether.
Tebas didn’t hold back, directly accusing FIFA of mismanaging audiovisual rights and sponsorships in a way that undermines the financial expectations set forth, suggesting that funds allocated for this competition could detract from areas where the organization claims to be providing assistance.
Amidst the uncertainty emanating from European leagues, FIFA has made progress in finalizing participation for the tournament, with 31 out of the 32 teams already qualified; the final spot will go to the winner of the Copa Libertadores, whether it be Atlético Mineiro or Botafogo. As part of a recent announcement, FIFA confirmed that the draw for the upcoming competition will take place in December.
The presence of Messi, key for the arrival of China
China’s interest in international sports sponsorship has been on the rise, reflecting an eagerness to position itself prominently on the global stage through football investments. Companies like Vivo and BYD are examples of Chinese brands leveraging sport as a marketing platform, demonstrating the growing importance of this avenue in their global expansion efforts.
In particular, there is an evident strategic focus on Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi, whose presence in the Club World Cup with Inter Miami—the host team and opening match participant—could significantly boost the tournament’s appeal and viewership, thus elevating the visibility of the sponsoring brand, Hisense. The Chinese company has already capitalized on Messi’s immense popularity during his tenure at PSG, where they were partners.
Argentina, especially with Messi at the helm, enjoys considerable admiration in China, as evidenced by the sponsorship of the national team by brands such as Yili and Mengniu, both keen to associate themselves with the famed captain.
Messi’s impactful presence in China is underscored by his substantial social media following on popular platforms like Weibo and Douyin, which underscores the market value of collaborating with the iconic player. This interest remained steadfast despite earlier controversies, including Messi’s absence from an Inter Miami match in Hong Kong earlier this year, which had raised eyebrows and stirred public sentiment.
The teams classified for the 2025 Club World Cup
Real Madrid (ESP) – Europa
Manchester City (ING) – Europa
Bayern Munich (ALE) – Europe
Inter Milan (ITA) – Europe
Borussia Dortmund (ALE) – Europe
Atlético de Madrid (ESP) – Europe
RB Salzburg (AUT) – Europe
Palmeiras (BRA) – South America
Flamengo (BRA) – South America
Fluminense (BRA) – South America
River (ARG) – South America
Atlético Mineiro or Botafogo (depending on who wins the Copa Libertadores) – South America
Al Ahly SC (EGI) – Africa
Esperance de Tunis (TUZ) – Africa
Mamelodi Sundowns (LDS) – Africa
Urawa Red Diamonds (JAP) – Asia
Ulsan Hyundai (COS) – Asia
Monterrey (MEX) – Concacaf
Seattle Sounders (USA) – Concacaf
Club León (MEX) – Concacaf
Inter Miami (USA) – Concacaf
Auckland City (NZL) – Oceania
Messi social media accounts
E level of interest from fans and sponsors alike. Messi’s iconic status in the footballing world, coupled with his substantial following on social media platforms, creates a unique opportunity for Hisense and FIFA to capitalize on the event’s visibility.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on whether the promised synergy between corporate interests and football culture can be achieved. Will the involvement of a tech titan like Hisense translate into innovative fan experiences, or will it merely serve as a billboard for a corporate agenda? Given FIFA’s history, skepticism among fans and critics persists. Thus, the blend of high expectations and low confidence may just be the hallmark of the Club World Cup 2025.
Ultimately, time will reveal whether this event will transcend its controversial beginnings to become a pivotal moment in the evolution of international football or if it will simply be another blip on the vast and often entertaining radar of sports history. As we prepare for the kickoff in June 2025, one thing’s for sure—this spectacle, fraught with drama and potential comedy, is guaranteed to keep us all on the edge of our seats.
