FIFA to open the summer transfer window early for Club World Cup participants | OneFootball

FIFA has announced that it will open the summer transfer window for clubs participating in the upcoming Club World Cup from June 1-10, 2025.

This is earlier than other clubs and will allow them to bolster their squad for the competition.

This unprecedented move aims to ensure that new signings can be registered before the tournament kicks off on June 15.

However, the early transfer window could give some clubs an unfair advantage, as they will have more time to strengthen their squads before the tournament.

Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid are among the top clubs who could negotiate deals in advance and secure their services ahead of their rivals.

These are already some of the most financially capable clubs in European football, and giving them a transfer headstart hands them an unfair competitive advantage.

FIFA’s last-minute scrambling to piece this tournament together reeks of poor planning. Such incompetent decisions have plagued this project from the offset.

Since its announcement, the 32-team Club World Cup expansion has faced significant challenges. Many clubs do not appreciate the extra games because they mean more workload for the players.

However, FIFA, which is supposed to protect its athletes and the quality of competitions, has refused to listen to the concerns raised by players and managers.

FIFA also enacted rules to ensure clubs bring their best available squads to compete in the tournament.

The governing body has faced many issues, including a lack of sponsorships and a broadcasting impasse.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been scrambling to salvage the tournament just nine months before its start.

Player unions have also voiced their opposition to the tournament’s demands. The PFA, AIC, UNFP and FIFPro have filed legal complaints, arguing that the new format places excessive burdens on players.