Club Football World Cup: a flop?

Is too much football killing football? The new FIFA World Cup football competition is not filling all the stadiums. There's no doubt a lack of local interest. But also perhaps an overdose.

With its ever-expanding leagues and international competitions with ever-increasing fixture lists, professional football has almost become a daily competition. Hardly a day goes by without a match on TV (free or pay). Whether it's men's (especially) or women's (to some extent), football fans have plenty to indulge their passion. International fixtures include qualifying matches for continental and world cups, the Nation League and preparatory friendlies. They also include international and national tournaments, national leagues and national cups. The list is almost endless, as is the wait for a refereeing decision with VAR.

Eloquent figures

The Club World Cup currently being played in the United States is characterised by a large number of matches in sparsely-filled stadiums. There are sometimes less than 5,000 spectators in stadiums that can hold 5 to 10 times that number! According to official FIFA figures, the average attendance for the first 16 matches was 56.3%. And that's thanks to the headliners, including the opening match at bargain prices, where the 90% occupancy rate was approached or reached to see Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), PSG, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Boca Juniors, Juventus and Bayern Munich. The record was set by the PSG-Atletico duel with over 80,000 people (95% occupancy rate). However, Manchester City, FC Porto and Inter Milan struggled to fill half the stadium. Let's not even mention Ulsan (South Korea) v Mamelodi Sundows (South Africa) in front of 3,412 people.

Lassitude

In the USA, stadiums sometimes have an impressive capacity. For example, despite the empty seats, the match between FC Porto and Brazilian club Palmeiras drew a crowd of 46,275. Nevertheless, it has to be said that there is hardly any fervour, as in the Champions League or the World Cup. The Nation League also sometimes struggles to get the stadiums going. It's as if the general public doesn't seem to care much about these new competitions.

Despite the abominable excesses and lack of discernment of some ‘supporters’, football remains a captivating sport that arouses intense emotions. It's an enjoyable spectacle, provided that the players are motivated to outdo themselves... And to create a media phenomenon that attracts fans to the stadium, in front of their TV or listening to their radio. Then there's the cost of accessing these matches live or on pay-TV. Is it worth it? And then there are the guests who prefer to stay warm or cool in the dressing rooms rather than stand around the pitch.

Other sports

This image of empty seats can also be found in other sports. One of the most striking examples in recent weeks is Roland Garros. Seats are bought by companies as part of their commercial policy. Their guests sometimes don't even bother to turn up. When they do, some prefer the buffet and bar in the box with screens rather than watching the match from the sidelines.

There is also the patriotism effect. At international tournaments played in one or more countries, only the matches of the local national team manage to attract local spectators before the final. Without necessarily attracting fans from other teams. As if the spectacle wasn't enough in itself. You can see it in the current European Women's Basketball Cup or the Pro League hockey tournament. The stadiums are empty, much emptier than they used to be. They are sometimes even sparsely populated for the host team's matches.

And why is that?

Has going to the stadium become too expensive, too uncomfortable, too commonplace? To the point where we only reserve the privilege for the big games or the (semi-)finals. So much for the 3-figure tickets, the champagne-priced soft drinks and the gourmet bread and sausage. What's more, you can still watch it on TV (watch out for the domestic scenes) or streaming (more or less legal). Will top-level sport end up as a stage for screens and sponsors, with no singing, shouting or fervour? Not to mention the health of these professionals, who play match after match without rest...

At least there is still road cycling, where the public can come and watch the race for free. But even there, sometimes, except for the Grand Tours and the Classics, the public doesn't seem to turn out as much. Sometimes, local residents don't seem to be aware that the riders are passing by, leaving their property with their car right in the middle of the peloton...

(MH with Olivier Duquesne – Sources : La Dernière Heure, Le Soir, RTBF – Photo : © picture alliance / Eibner-Pressefoto | Eibner-Pressefoto/Scott Coleman)