The Club World Cup is under fire from Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) chief executive Maheta Molango, who claims the tournament is devaluing football due to players' inability to perform under extreme conditions. High temperatures and low attendance have marred FIFA's extended competition in America.

Impact of Extreme Weather Players have struggled with the heat, with some requesting substitutions during matches. For instance, during a 1-0 defeat by Real Madrid, players faced temperatures of 30°C and 70% humidity in Miami. Borussia Dortmund's substitutes even watched the first half of their game from the dressing room due to the heat. Thunderstorms have also caused delays, including a two-hour interruption in Chelsea's last-16 win over Benfica.

Concerns Over Player Welfare Molango expressed concerns about the competition's impact on players and the sport's quality. "We're devaluing the product," he said. "If I'm a US fan and that's my first exposure to soccer, that's not good." He emphasized the need for better scheduling and consideration of player welfare, especially with the upcoming World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Criticism from Managers Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp called the Club World Cup "the worst idea ever implemented in football." Pep Guardiola, while understanding Klopp's concerns, noted that competing in the tournament is the price of success.

Legal Actions and FIFA's Defense FIFA has defended its decisions, stating that player welfare is a priority. However, the PFA, along with French and Italian players' unions, has filed a legal complaint against FIFA over the overloaded football calendar. A hearing is expected early next year.

Conclusion The Club World Cup's current format raises significant concerns about player welfare and the quality of football. As the sport continues to grow globally, it's crucial to address these issues to maintain its integrity and appeal.