Controversial Statement About the FIFA Club World Cup

Sports critic Mohamed Al-Anzi downplayed the significance of the FIFA Club World Cup, which is held annually under the regulations imposed by the international soccer federation. This system allows the champions of South America and Europe to start the tournament from the semifinals, unlike clubs from other continents. One fan asked Al-Anzi which is better: the Fair Play award or finishing fourth in the Club World Cup. He shockingly replied, "Finishing fourth is better if it were a tournament held with a respectable system, but the Club World Cup is not respected, and participants diminish their own respect." He added, "A respectable system means all clubs participate from the same starting point, divided into two groups, from which two teams advance to the next stage, with the competition continuing from there. However, the current system of the Club World Cup diminishes and belittles some participating clubs significantly." He concluded, "Why do some clubs participate from the first round while others enter from the semifinals? Why this condescension towards clubs? This is a tournament that brings together clubs from different continents and deserves respect." It is worth noting that Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia finished fourth in its two participations in the Club World Cup in 2019 and 2021, while Al-Nassr exited in the group stage in 2000 but won the Fair Play award.