However this competition should be in theory at least the biggest club game in the world. The chance to be called world champions. The viewpoint of this competition is varied to say the least. It's viewed as an inconvenience in Europe while in South America it's the ultimate prize. For Africa, Asia, North America and most of all Oceania its a reward to be in the same tournament as their more illustrious European and South American opponents.
Personally I do like the idea this tournament tries to portray however it is not entirely fair that the European and South American teams get byes to the semi finals. And yes I know they are the two biggest footballing continents.
Only Europe and South America have ever won this tournament which when you look at it more isn't that surprising. They are the two biggest footballing continents and the two with the biggest tradition. Prior to the expansion of this tournament in 2005, (there was a trial in 2000) it was only ever a single match between the champions of the two big continents so to include the four other champions has been a welcome change.
The big problem for this tournament is trying to change the views from Europe. The final last Sunday wasn't even that well advertised and the game not on tv.
The viewpoint of the tournament is that it's too predictable. Europe will almost always win because they have the concentration of all the best players in the world leaving the rest well behind. The South American sides would be more competitive if their continental winning sides weren't broken up after the success. This year Atletico National had lost a chunk of their Libertadores winning side, River Plate before that and so on. A potential improvement from Asian sides could help this tournament. Given the cash Chinese sides are splashing maybe they will be more competitive. Although it remains to be seen as last year Guangzhou Evergrande were comprehensively beaten by Barcelona. That after splashing a pretty decent sum already.
Another aspect that needs changing is the host country. It seems like its always been Japan, (even the one off games before expansion were in Japan) but only Morocco and the UAE have only hosted it as well. Spread it around more. Brazil, Australia, Mexico etc open it up.
I will also tackle new FIFA president Gianni Infantino's proposal to expand this tournament even further. I've read articles suggesting thirty-two teams in the summer, another including Europa league and copa Sudamericana winners and well, I don't necessarily agree with expanding this any further. If expansion is insisted upon I'd go with maybe including the defending champions to bring it up to a nice figure of eight teams and go open draw from there. I like the way this tournament brings together the six continental champions plus a host country champion and go for the title.
The timing of this tournament I understand is hindered by the fact that the different champions leagues end at different stages in the year but it's current slot doesn't do it much good, just before the Christmas break. Although if it was better received it would be as gooda time with no clashes with current season champions league games.
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