Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defender the newly-expanded format of the FIFA Club World Cup amid criticism from ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
The number of participating teams had been increased by FIFA to 32 teams ahead of the 2025 edition, with multiple players and coaches expressing their thoughts on the idea.
Klopp lashed out at the idea to expand the competition in an interview two weeks ago, calling it the ‘worst idea ever invented’ in football.
Wenger, who now works as FIFA’s chief of global development, dismissed Klopp’s criticism, calling the tournament a huge success.
“Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and I don’t share Jurgen Klopp’s view at all,” Wenger told reporters.
“I feel that a Club World Cup, a real Club World Cup was needed. If you make an inquiry today with all the clubs who were here at this competition, I’m basically sure that we have 100% of answers of people who want to do this again. So that’s basically the best answer.
The decisive question is, do the fans like it? Attendance projections were low, but in reality, they were much higher. The answer is there,” he added.
The 75-year-old also revealed that there will be plans to protect players from extreme heat and adverse weather conditions ahead of the FIFA World Cup next year.
“Certainly next year, there will be more roofed stadiums as we have to follow the TV schedule. We are learning to be better equipped to deal with these conditions,” Wenger continued.
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The FIFA Club World Cup concludes this Sunday with European champions Paris Saint Germain facing UEFA Conference League winners Chelsea, in the final at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
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