‘Chelsea embarrassment is just the start – this is so dangerous for football’
Chelsea saw off Los Angeles FC in Atlanta on Monday in front of a meagre crowd in their Club World Cup opener.
The Blues played out the win in front of just 22,137 fans at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium – a ground that can hold more than 70,000 spectators.
Man City and Chelsea are the English representation at the tournament, which has been transformed by Fifa into a 32-club competition.
Broadcaster DAZN, part-owned by the Saudi state, paid almost £800million for the rights to show games worldwide from the United States – despite facing no competition.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has launched a scathing attack on the new-look tournament.
‘This is the biggest fear I’ve got about Club World Cup’, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness suggested the Club World Cup may be just the start of a “World Super League” – run by Fifa.
Expanding the current format to 48 teams is already under consideration ahead of the next iteration in 2029.
Wyness insisted such a move would be dangerous for football.
| Chelsea (ENG) | Bayern Munich (GER) | Porto (POR) | Juventus (ITA) |
| Man City (ENG) | Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) | Benfica (POR) | Atletico Madrid (ESP) |
| Real Madrid (ESP) | Inter Milan (ITA) | Borussia Dortmund (GER) | Red Bull Salzburg (AUT) |
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I think we all saw Chelsea’s win in front of a 20,000 crowd. I know it’s a work day in the States, and it was an afternoon kick-off, but still it’s not promising to see that crowd.
“I should probably say upfront that I’m against the Club World Cup. I don’t believe in it, but I can understand why it’s there. This is all about FIFA and the power politics of football with a big Saudi Arabian involvement.
“They want to keep football going round the clock now all year long. The Club World Cup is something that I don’t think was needed, but nevertheless, it’s FIFA interfering in club football.
“They’re already talking about putting 48 clubs in there. I don’t think there’ll be any doubt the resources may be there to do it.
“If it happens, how dangerous is that for football overall? This could be the beginning of the World Super League, and that’s the biggest fear I’ve got. I’d rather see FIFA concentrating on international football and not getting involved in club football. I’m against it.”
Chelsea will accept offers for two first-teamers
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (10 June) that Chelsea will accept offers for first-team duo Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi this summer.
Trevoh Chalobah is attracting interest from Napoli and Premier League clubs, but Football Insider has revealed (10 June) he is not at the top of Chelsea’s unwanted list.
Maresca and his transfer team will instead look to move French duo Badiashile, 24, and Disasi, 27, on before the 2025-26 campaign gets underway.
For more Chelsea and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.