FIFA president Gianni Infatino is pushing forward plans for a revamped 32-team Club World Cup, despite concerns being raised about player burnout and scheduling issues

FIFA wants to use performance in theChampions Leagueas the way to select the majority of the European clubs in the controversial revamped version of theClub World Cup.

Back in December, FIFA presidentGianni Infantinounveiled plans foran expanded 32-team Club World Cup, which would kick off in 2025. The competition currently features just seven teams and sawReal Madridbeat Egyptian side Al-Ahly inthe most recent edition in Moroccoin February.

Mirroring their plans for a bigger World Cup, FIFA is expanding the Club World Cup, which will take place in June and July 2025, although no venue has been announced yet. As reported byThe Times, the idea is for European clubs to take 12 of the 32 places on offer, with eight decided by UEFAs coefficient and the other four going to the Champions League winners from 2022 to 2025.

Gary Lineker poses important question as new details on 32-team Club World Cup emerge

FIFA boss Gianni Infantino unveils 32-team competition as Champions League clubs ignored

The plan is to spread out the places out among the countries, with only two teams per country able to qualify via the coefficient route. However, there could well be four teams from a single country when recent Champions League winners are included.

Under these plans Real Madrid, who beatLiverpoolin last years Champions League final, would already be qualified for the Club World Cup. Whether they win this years competition or not,Manchester Citywould qualify on account of being ranked second inUEFAs coefficient league, which is dominated by English teams.

Although Bayern Munich currently top the league, English sides make up three of the top four places, with City joined by Liverpool andChelseacurrently.Manchester Unitedare seventh,Tottenhamare 18th, whilePremier LeagueleadersArsenalsit 23rd at present.

HAVE YOUR SAY! What do you think of the idea of an expanded Club World Cup?Comment below.

FIFA had previously planned to hold a 24-team Club World Cup in China in 2021, but the coronavirus pandemic prevented that from happening. The idea to play in the summer of 2025 could cause several problems.

While it would fall in the summer between the 2024 European Championships in Germany and the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico, it could clash with the Africa Cup of Nations, should that tournament revert to being played in the summer.

Another question is where it would be hosted. The next edition of the existing seven-team Club World Cup is to be played in Saudi Arabia in December, but it will be too hot to play there in the summer.

While Infantino has driven the plans forward, they are far from universally popular, with the Premier League understood to be against the expansion. There are also major concerns about player burnout, with the competition adding to an already hugely-demanding st month Gary Linekertook toTwitterto ask a question on many fans lips: when would they fit that into a schedule that is already crammed?

Jamie Carragher has also been an outspoken critic of the idea. In December, he tweeted: Like the ridiculous idea of the World Cup every two years, this is another one from Infantino.

Players need rest at some point, they are getting treated like cattle. FIFA hate theChampions League& want something similar themselves. European clubs should boycott it.

Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter with the days key headlines and transfer news straight into your inbox

Something went wrong, please try again later.

We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways youve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. As always you can unsubscribe at any time.

You can find this story inMy Bookmarks.

Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.

Keep up to date with all the latest news

We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways youve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. As always you can unsubscribe at any time.More Info.

Subscribe to Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror newspapers