FIFA to open third transfer window to coincide with Club World Cup

FIFA is pressing ahead with its revamped Club World Cup, set to debut next year in a new 32-team format. The month-long tournament will run from June 14 to July 14, strategically placed between football seasons.

Promising substantial payouts for the 12 European clubs involved, FIFA will conduct the group stage draw on Thursday evening. The format mirrors the FIFA World Cup, featuring eight groups of four teams, followed by a 16-team knockout stage. According to Marca, the tournament will also introduce an additional transfer window.

From June 1 to June 10, clubs will have the opportunity to sign players specifically to strengthen their squads for the competition. This third transfer window aims to incentivize participation and provide legal clarity for contract adjustments. Notably, FIFA plans to allow clubs to unilaterally extend player contracts until the tournament concludes. This provision addresses the typical June 30 contract expiration date in Europe and aligns with the summer transfer window, which officially opens on July 1.

The Club World Cup’s unique features and timing underline FIFA’s ambition to establish the event as a major fixture in the football calendar, despite ongoing debates over its impact on the sport.