A regulations expert explains FIFA's exceptional decision: Bronze without a match
The exceptional decision recently made by FIFA has sparked widespread debate in sporting circles, particularly regarding the mechanism for awarding prizes and determining rankings in the newly established tournaments. In this context, an expert in international sports regulations provided detailed explanations to the newspaper Okaz, clarifying the legal and regulatory basis upon which FIFA relied in its decision to award titles or rankings (equivalent to the bronze medal or sub-continental cups) without the need for traditional ranking matches, within the new structure of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Legal and regulatory context of the decision
The legal expert explained that FIFA's new regulations grant the federation the flexibility to adapt competition systems to reduce congestion in the international calendar. This decision comes as part of the transition from the old annual Club World Cup format to a new system that includes an annual tournament (the Confederations Cup) and an expanded tournament held every four years. He pointed out that awarding the "Africa-Asia-Pacific Cup" as a standalone title to the winner of the knockout match (as happened in the match between Al-Ahly of Egypt and Al-Ain of the UAE) is an organizational precedent that gives the match both financial and symbolic value without having to wait for the final standings in Doha. This explains why teams receive financial prizes and advanced rankings simply by progressing through certain stages.
Historical background and evolution of FIFA competitions
To understand this decision, one must look at the history of FIFA tournaments. Sports fans have grown accustomed to a third-place match in most FIFA competitions, from the World Cup to the Club World Cup in its previous format. However, the new trend of reducing the number of matches that don't affect the main title, while maximizing the financial returns from the preliminary rounds, has led FIFA to adopt a model similar to boxing or some individual sports, where the loser in certain stages or the winner of a minor title receives immediate recognition. This shift reflects FIFA's desire to increase the level of competition and make every match a "final" in its own right.
Importance and expected impact
This decision has multiple dimensions and implications at the local, regional, and international levels:
- At the regional level (Arab, African, and Asian): This system enhances the standing of Arab clubs, which often reach these advanced stages. Instead of playing a potentially exhausting and unmotivated placement match, clubs are guaranteed to win FIFA-recognized continental titles, thus increasing their market value and attractiveness to sponsors.
- On the international level: The decision contributes to easing the physical burden on professional players who suffer from the pressure of matches, a demand repeatedly made by the Professional Footballers Association (FIFPRO).
- Economically: The new system ensures a faster distribution of financial prizes, as each stage is treated as a mini-tournament, which immediately revitalizes the coffers of participating clubs and helps them with their financial obligations throughout the season.
The expert concluded by emphasizing that these regulations, although they may seem exceptional at first glance, are in line with FIFA’s overall strategy to develop football and make it more sustainable and attractive to fans around the world.
