The draw for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup takes place in Miami on Thursday, offering a first glimpse into the fine detail of a tournament that has been viewed with indifference or even outright hostility across parts of the football world.

Thirty-two star-studded club teams will battle it out in gleaming state-of-the-art arenas in what is effectively a curtain-raiser for the 2026 World Cup taking place a year later in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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In theory, the new-look competition ought to be an enticing prospect that sells itself: a month-long football festival, the first large-scale club tournament to feature teams from all corners of the globe.

Yet for many, FIFA president Gianni Infantino's passion project is a tournament too far, an unwelcome addition to an already crowded global calendar that exhausted players say has pushed them close to breaking point.

The loudest antipathy towards the tournament, and FIFA, has come from Europe.

In October, an umbrella grouping of top European leagues, together with the players' union, FIFPro, filed a legal complaint to the European Commission accusing FIFA of abusing its position over its handling of the international fixture calendar.

<h2>Player frustration</h2>

Javier Tebas, the chief of Spain's La Liga, has been one of the Club World Cup's most outspoken critics, telling Infantino in October to cancel the tournament, citing apathy from broadcasters and opposition from clubs.

"Mr President, you know you have not sold the broadcast rights for the Club World Cup, you know you have not sold any sponsorship rights," said Tebas. "Scrap the Club World Cup. It is not needed by the players, the clubs or FIFA."

However, on Wednesday, FIFA announced it had reached a deal with British streaming service DAZN to broadcast all 63 games free to view worldwide.

A source close to the negotiations told AFP the contract was worth around one billion euros ($1.05 billion).

Players though have spoken of frustration at an ever-lengthening fixture schedule that leaves them with fewer opportunities for rest and recuperation.

Manchester City and Spain star Rodri, the winner of this year's Ballon d'Or, warned in September that players were "close" to striking over the calendar, citing the demands imposed by this season's expanded UEFA Champions League followed by the Club World Cup.

"If it keeps this way we will have no other option," Rodri said of possible industrial action. "It is something that worries us."

FIFA though has pushed back at the criticism forcefully, insisting its calendar was approved by the FIFA Council following consultation from all continents including Europe as well as FIFPro and league bodies.

The world football body also took aim at leagues in Europe who have opposed the tournament, accusing them of "acting with commercial self-interest and hypocrisy" while preferring a calendar "filled with friendlies and summer tours."

<h2>'Something historic'</h2>

Infantino meanwhile has brushed off the criticism, insisting the launch of the expanded club tournament will usher in a new era for world football.

"The FIFA Club World Cup next year will bring the magic of a national team (FIFA) World Cup into the realm of club football, and this tournament will be the start of something historic, something that will change our sport for the better, and for future generations, who will come to love it as much as we do," Infantino said last month.

The opportunity to embrace the historic opportunity touted by FIFA ultimately tempted DAZN, whose chief executive officer Shay Segev called the broadcasting arrangement a "groundbreaking deal".

The tournament itself will take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, with the opening match hosted by Miami's Hard Rock Stadium and the final taking place at the MetLife Stadium in New York -- the venue for the 2026 World Cup final.

Europe will provide the largest contingent of teams, with 12 sides including Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan taking part.

South America will field six teams, with Africa, Asia and the CONCACAF region receiving four slots each. Oceania will be represented by New Zealand's Auckland City, while host nation the US has an additional slot, controversially awarded to Lionel Messi's Inter Miami despite the team being bundled out in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs this year.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The draw for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup takes place in Miami on Thursday, offering a first glimpse into the fine detail of a tournament that has been viewed with indifference or even outright hostility across parts of the football world.

The draw for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup takes place in Miami on Thursday, offering a first glimpse into the fine detail of a tournament that has been viewed with indifference or even outright hostility across parts of the football world. Thirty-two star-studded club teams will battle it out in gleaming state-of-the-art arenas in what is effectively a curtain-raiser for the 2026 World Cup taking place a year later in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Also Read: WADA sidelines own investigators over China athletes doping In theory, the new-look competition ought to be an enticing prospect that sells itself: a month-long football festival, the first large-scale club tournament to feature teams from all corners of the globe. Yet for many, FIFA president Gianni Infantino's passion project is a tournament too far, an unwelcome addition to an already crowded global calendar that exhausted players say has pushed them close to breaking point. The loudest antipathy towards the tournament, and FIFA, has come from Europe. In October, an umbrella grouping of top European leagues, together with the players' union, FIFPro, filed a legal complaint to the European Commission accusing FIFA of abusing its position over its handling of the international fixture calendar. Player frustration Javier Tebas, the chief of Spain's La Liga, has been one of the Club World Cup's most outspoken critics, telling Infantino in October to cancel the tournament, citing apathy from broadcasters and opposition from clubs. "Mr President, you know you have not sold the broadcast rights for the Club World Cup, you know you have not sold any sponsorship rights," said Tebas. "Scrap the Club World Cup. It is not needed by the players, the clubs or FIFA." However, on Wednesday, FIFA announced it had reached a deal with British streaming service DAZN to broadcast all 63 games free to view worldwide. A source close to the negotiations told AFP the contract was worth around one billion euros ($1.05 billion). Players though have spoken of frustration at an ever-lengthening fixture schedule that leaves them with fewer opportunities for rest and recuperation. Manchester City and Spain star Rodri, the winner of this year's Ballon d'Or, warned in September that players were "close" to striking over the calendar, citing the demands imposed by this season's expanded UEFA Champions League followed by the Club World Cup. "If it keeps this way we will have no other option," Rodri said of possible industrial action. "It is something that worries us." FIFA though has pushed back at the criticism forcefully, insisting its calendar was approved by the FIFA Council following consultation from all continents including Europe as well as FIFPro and league bodies. The world football body also took aim at leagues in Europe who have opposed the tournament, accusing them of "acting with commercial self-interest and hypocrisy" while preferring a calendar "filled with friendlies and summer tours." 'Something historic' Infantino meanwhile has brushed off the criticism, insisting the launch of the expanded club tournament will usher in a new era for world football. "The FIFA Club World Cup next year will bring the magic of a national team (FIFA) World Cup into the realm of club football, and this tournament will be the start of something historic, something that will change our sport for the better, and for future generations, who will come to love it as much as we do," Infantino said last month. The opportunity to embrace the historic opportunity touted by FIFA ultimately tempted DAZN, whose chief executive officer Shay Segev called the broadcasting arrangement a "groundbreaking deal". The tournament itself will take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, with the opening match hosted by Miami's Hard Rock Stadium and the final taking place at the MetLife Stadium in New York -- the venue for the 2026 World Cup final. Europe will provide the largest contingent of teams, with 12 sides including Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan taking part. South America will field six teams, with Africa, Asia and the CONCACAF region receiving four slots each. Oceania will be represented by New Zealand's Auckland City, while host nation the US has an additional slot, controversially awarded to Lionel Messi's Inter Miami despite the team being bundled out in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs this year. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

FIFA set to reveal expanded Club World Cup schedule amid hostility

Chelsea were crowned FIFA Club World Cup champions for the first time as Kai Havertz struck home a penalty deep into extra time to break the hearts of Brazilian club Palmeiras on Saturday.

Havertz, scorer of the winning goal in last season's European Champions League final, was as cool as a cucumber as he converted in the 117th minute after Palmeiras's Luan had conceded the spot-kick with a handball.

Palmeiras's misery was complete when Luan was sent off in stoppage time for a desperate tackle on Havertz.

Chelsea has now won every major club trophy since Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich took control in 2003.

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The final in the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, where around 15,000 Palmeiras fans outnumbered Chelsea supporters, took a while to come to life.

Chelsea, who lost 2012 final to Brazilian side Corinthians, became increasingly dominant though and took the lead in the 55th minute when Romelu Lukaku powered in a header.

Palmeiras hit back shortly afterwards when Thiago Silva was adjudged to have handled the ball and Raphael Veiga converted from the spot to send the Brazilian fans wild.

Chelsea looked stronger in extra time but a penalty shootout loomed until Luan's raised arm was struck by Cesar Azpilicueta's volley from close range and after a VAR check referee Chris Beath went to check a pitch-side monitor.

He returned to point to the spot and Havertz did the rest.

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Since taking charge a little over a year ago Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, who was in attendance after missing the semi-final because of a positive COVID-19 test, has now earned Chelsea the European and world club crowns.

"It never stops. We want to keep on winning trophies," Tuchel said in a pitch-side interview before his team were given their medals by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

"In the end, if you score late you need the luck to do it but we were relentless and we did not stop trying."

Palmeiras had been bidding to become the fourth Brazilian club to win the inter-continental tournament since 2000.

The South American club champions worked like Trojans to keep Chelsea in check and Tuchel's side laboured early on.

They were not helped when Mason Mount, one of four changes to the side that started against Al-Hilal in the semi-final on Wednesday, was forced off with an injury.

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Palmeiras settled into the game and in Dudu, they had a real threat with the midfielder firing narrowly over before flashing another effort wide of Edouard Mendy's post.

Chelsea rarely threatened in the first half but they took the lead in clinical fashion 10 minutes after halftime.

Callum Hudson-Odoi, who had been wasteful, got to the byline and his cross was perfect for Lukaku who headed past Weverton.

The lead did not last long though as Brazilian Thiago went up to clear a cross but the ball struck his raised arm and Veiga fired the spot-kick inside Mendy's left-hand post.

Chelsea moved up a gear with Havertz just missing the target with a thunderous shot from an angle before Christian Pulisic, who replaced Mount, went close with a shot.

The Premier League club continued to turn the screw in extra time with Palmeiras beginning to flag.

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Pulisic's low cross was deflected up onto the woodwork as Palmeiras dug deep. But the Brazilians'&nbsp;resistance was finally pierced as Havertz again showed an appetite for the big occasion to keep Chelsea`s trophy machine rumbling on.

For Palmeiras there were tears, but no shame.

"I'm going to ban my players from not celebrating second place," manager Abel Ferreira said. "Woe to them if they get on the plane and don't have a beer. If you don't, you'll have to deal with me. I'm proud of what we did."

Egyptian side Al Ahly won the third-place playoff, beating Al Hilal 4-0.

Chelsea were crowned FIFA Club World Cup champions for the first time as Kai Havertz struck home a penalty deep into extra time to break the hearts of Brazilian club Palmeiras on Saturday.

Chelsea were crowned FIFA Club World Cup champions for the first time as Kai Havertz struck home a penalty deep into extra time to break the hearts of Brazilian club Palmeiras on Saturday. Havertz, scorer of the winning goal in last season's European Champions League final, was as cool as a cucumber as he converted in the 117th minute after Palmeiras's Luan had conceded the spot-kick with a handball. Palmeiras's misery was complete when Luan was sent off in stoppage time for a desperate tackle on Havertz. Chelsea has now won every major club trophy since Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich took control in 2003. ALSO READ: 'This is obvious': Manchester United coach Ralf Rangnick on need of a young striker The final in the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, where around 15,000 Palmeiras fans outnumbered Chelsea supporters, took a while to come to life. Chelsea, who lost 2012 final to Brazilian side Corinthians, became increasingly dominant though and took the lead in the 55th minute when Romelu Lukaku powered in a header. Palmeiras hit back shortly afterwards when Thiago Silva was adjudged to have handled the ball and Raphael Veiga converted from the spot to send the Brazilian fans wild. Chelsea looked stronger in extra time but a penalty shootout loomed until Luan's raised arm was struck by Cesar Azpilicueta's volley from close range and after a VAR check referee Chris Beath went to check a pitch-side monitor. He returned to point to the spot and Havertz did the rest. ALSO READ: Christian Eriksen unveiled at Brentford, says he is determined to prove he is still the same player Since taking charge a little over a year ago Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, who was in attendance after missing the semi-final because of a positive COVID-19 test, has now earned Chelsea the European and world club crowns. "It never stops. We want to keep on winning trophies," Tuchel said in a pitch-side interview before his team were given their medals by FIFA president Gianni Infantino. "In the end, if you score late you need the luck to do it but we were relentless and we did not stop trying." Palmeiras had been bidding to become the fourth Brazilian club to win the inter-continental tournament since 2000. The South American club champions worked like Trojans to keep Chelsea in check and Tuchel's side laboured early on. They were not helped when Mason Mount, one of four changes to the side that started against Al-Hilal in the semi-final on Wednesday, was forced off with an injury. ALSO READ: Diogo Jota scores a brace as Liverpool beat Leicester City 2-0 to close gap on top Palmeiras settled into the game and in Dudu, they had a real threat with the midfielder firing narrowly over before flashing another effort wide of Edouard Mendy's post. Chelsea rarely threatened in the first half but they took the lead in clinical fashion 10 minutes after halftime. Callum Hudson-Odoi, who had been wasteful, got to the byline and his cross was perfect for Lukaku who headed past Weverton. The lead did not last long though as Brazilian Thiago went up to clear a cross but the ball struck his raised arm and Veiga fired the spot-kick inside Mendy's left-hand post. Chelsea moved up a gear with Havertz just missing the target with a thunderous shot from an angle before Christian Pulisic, who replaced Mount, went close with a shot. The Premier League club continued to turn the screw in extra time with Palmeiras beginning to flag. ALSO READ: Man accused of stealing money from Neymar arrested by Brazilian police Pulisic's low cross was deflected up onto the woodwork as Palmeiras dug deep. But the Brazilians' resistance was finally pierced as Havertz again showed an appetite for the big occasion to keep Chelsea`s trophy machine rumbling on. For Palmeiras there were tears, but no shame. "I'm going to ban my players from not celebrating second place," manager Abel Ferreira said. "Woe to them if they get on the plane and don't have a beer. If you don't, you'll have to deal with me. I'm proud of what we did." Egyptian side Al Ahly won the third-place playoff, beating Al Hilal 4-0.

FIFA Club World Cup: Chelsea secures maiden title after Kai Havertz's late penalty

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FIFA set to reveal expanded Club World Cup schedule amid hostility

FIFA Club World Cup: Chelsea secures maiden title after Kai Havertz's late penalty