UEFA is reportedly in talks to back a pre-season Champions League tournament, rivalling FIFA’s summer Club World Cup.
At current, the International Champions Club is run by U.S promoters, Relevant Sport – who invite teams they’d like to play – but UEFA are looking to attach their branding to the tournament, as well as providing endorsement. UEFA are also seeking to make ‘qualification [for the tournament] based on domestic league position rather than the current system of invitation’.
It has been reported that the start date for FIFA’s involvement in the International Champions Club would begin in 2021, with an initial agreement of eight years.
UEFA’s International Champions Cup would take place every summer, while FIFA’s revamped 24-team Club World Cup – which is due to commence in 2021 – is scheduled to take place every four years.
Concerns have been raised on how teams who may qualify for both tournaments will compete as those who enter the International Champions Club would be obliged to play their first-choice sides “where possible”.