FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during a press conference at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) in Doha on November 19, 2022, ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament. - Infantino hit back at Western critics of Qatar's human rights record at his opening press conference of the World Cup on November 19, blasting their "hypocrisy". (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)
FIFA, the organizer of the 2025 Club World Cup set to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, has suggested opening a third transfer window for 10 days before the tournament kicks off. This proposal, announced on Thursday, allows participating clubs to strengthen their squads ahead of the competition.
According to a FIFA statement: « Member associations will have the option to open an exceptional registration period from June 1 to June 10, 2025, before the tournament begins. »
However, the decision to open this additional window is at the discretion of each FIFA member association.
This third transfer period, in addition to the usual winter and summer windows, aims to provide participating clubs with an extra opportunity to bolster their squads before the tournament. It also seeks to harmonize the schedules of associations involved in the competition, ensuring fairness for all clubs.
FIFA’s council also clarified certain points regarding players whose contracts with participating clubs expire on June 30. These players will have the choice to either complete the tournament with their current club or leave early to join their new team.
Moreover, FIFA has addressed potential conflicts with international matches, such as the Gold Cup, which will run concurrently with the Club World Cup. Players whose clubs are involved in both tournaments will have the freedom to choose which competition they wish to participate in, without being obliged to answer their national team’s call-up.
The new edition of the Club World Cup, backed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, has faced significant criticism in recent months, with many fearing that an expanded schedule could place excessive strain on players.
FIFA also unveiled on Saturday the 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities that will host the matches. The draw for the eight groups, each consisting of four teams, will take place in December.
