David GOMBE
FIFA President Gianni Infantino believes the rebranded FIFA Club World Cup is an opportunity for players from countries that have never been at the World Cup to shine at the global stage.
The FIFA boss revealed that greats players such as George Weah, the only African to win a Ballon D’or and never played in a World Cup would have been playing in a Club World Cup.
“Countries who would never have a chance to play in a World Cup are suddenly part of a World Cup and they feel to be part of it, the fans of these players and of these clubs.”
“A very good friend of mine is George Weah…former legend, great player, Ballon d’Or winner, only African player who ever won the Ballon d’Or, by the way. He never played in a World Cup. He would have been playing in a Club World Cup and made not only his club and also his country proud,” Said Infantino
Weah featured for European clubs such as PSG, AC Milan, Chelsea, Manchester City among others but never represented his Liberian nation at the World’s biggest football event.
The Liberian remains the only African player to win the Ballon D’or in 1995 and was also African player of the year twice in 1989 and 1995.
Former Uganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango will be at the Club World Cup for a second time with his Mamelodi Sundowns but Uganda has never made it to the World Cup.
Infantino also asserts that the showpiece in the USA will begin a new era comparing it to the inaugural World Cup in 1930.
“It starts a new era of football, a new era of club football. A little bit like when, in 1930, the first World Cup, right, started,” Infantino told AFP.
“Everyone today speaks about the very first World Cup. That’s why it’s also, this World Cup here is historic.
The 32-team competition, with clubs from all continents, gets under way with Inter Miami facing Egyptian club Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium.
