Arsene Wenger defends criticised FIFA changes that impact Premier League teams

19 December 2023 , 19:05

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Arsene Wenger defends criticised FIFA changes that impact Premier League teams

Legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists the upcoming changes to the FIFA Club World Cup, which will expand to 32 teams, are positive for all those involved.

Manchester City are representing Europe in the tournament for the first time and are currently in action against Urawa Red Diamonds. The competition will be played in its current format for the last time before changes are made, increasing the number of outfits involved.

That move has copped criticism from the likes of Pep Guardiola as managers and players deal with an ever-growing football calendar. Despite the increased demands Wenger maintains those involved will ultimately see the benefits.

He said: "The positive impact this will have on clubs is going to be huge because it will increase resources for clubs all over the world to develop and to compete. In Europe we are lucky, but it's important that we make football really global and this creates a chance for other clubs to progress. It will give more opportunities to more players all over the world to compete at the highest level."

The first edition of the revamped tournament will take place in the United States in the summer of 2025. UEFA will have twelve clubs competing, which includes two recent English winners of the Champions League in City and Chelsea.

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There will also be six clubs from CONMEBOL, four from CONCACAF, four from AFC, and one from OFC. The host country are set to nominate a team to enter as well.

Arsene Wenger is behind the expansion (ANP via Getty Images)

City star Bernardo has spoken out this week about the demands placed upon players and admits it is becoming too much. “I am not going to lie, sometimes I feel tired,” said the Portugal international. "All of us, we feel tired for some games because we play every three days.

“We don’t rest. We have no Christmas, we have no summer. But that’s the price you pay for being at a top club and fighting for all competitions. At the end our dream was to play at this level. Personally, I’m not going to complain. But I say this because of the rest players get, because the risk of injuries goes up quite a lot.

"At the end we play because we earn a lot of money. But, in my opinion, for the people who love the game and are entertained by the game, if we have this many games for so long then they will lose the energy and the intensity.”

Samuel Meade