Kroos criticizes FIFA for showing irresponsible behavior.
Toni Kroos isn't thrilled about the overhauled Club World Cup, neither as a player nor a spectator. The 2014 World Cup champion isn't keen on it and is quite annoyed with FIFA. He thinks they prioritize money over players.
In the recent episode of his podcast "Einfach mal Luppen," Kroos declared he won't be watching the event and criticized FIFA for burdening players with more work. "Someone should take a moment to consider the players instead of the money," he stated.
The debut of the revamped Club World Cup is scheduled for June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States. Thirty-two teams from Africa, Asia, Europe, America, and Oceania will participate, making it a quadrennial tournament. Germany's prestigious clubs Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have secured spots. Previously, the Club World Cup had only seven teams and was held in December.
Kroos views the about four-week tournament as "reckless" and detrimental to the standard of football. "It will turn out to be a mediocre Club World Cup and a mediocre World Cup," he claimed, also referring to the inaugural 48-team World Cup the following year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico (June 11 to July 19, 2026): "Eventually, the players will be drained."
Kroos Delighted with Retirement
Kroos feels he's timed his retirement perfectly. "I know not everyone will like it, especially not the organizers, but in the end, you're playing for pocket change," he said. Despite the Club World Cup being more challenging to win, "it's not worth any more," he added. "At some point, you just get tired of it, both players and fans."
The competition has drawn criticism for imposing excessive workload on professionals. In July, leagues and player representatives announced they would submit a complaint to the EU. The claimants accuse FIFA of breaching EU competition law and misusing their market position. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has repeatedly brushed off the criticism.
Despite Toni Kroos's criticisms of the overhauled Club World Cup, FIFA remains unfazed, continuing to prioritize the tournament's financial gains over the well-being of players. The German midfielder, now in retirement, has expressed his delight in timing his departure just before the increased workload and pressure of the revamped tournament.
