FIFA president Gianni Infantino rarely misses an opportunity to spout nonsense whenever the opportunity arises.
Al-Hilal’s dramatic 4-3 extra-time victory over Manchester City in the last-16 of the Club World Cup was the perfect vehicle for him.
His declaration on Instagram that ‘the new era of club football has truly started’ following the game was cringeworthy at best.
Al-Hilal deserved their victory. However, anyone who thinks it represents a ‘new era’ in the football world is delusional.
The Saudi Arabian club’s expensively assembled squad have spent the 2024/25 season filling their boots in the 29th best league in the world.
By contrast, Man City have been bumping heads with top-class opponents in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
The physicality of the respective competitions undoubtedly helped the Saudi Pro League (SPL) club execute their defensive game plan.
The lower intensity and lack of meaningful competition beyond the government-financed clubs ultimately proved to be the perfect preparation for the tournament.
Al-Hilal capitalised on FIFA’s controversial decision to revamp the Club World Cup and shoehorn it into an already over-stacked schedule.
When football in Saudi Arabia has an infrastructure worthy of the name, Infantino and his pals can start talking about a ‘new era’.
As things stand, the SPL club has done nothing more than capitalise on a situation that was tilted firmly in their favour. At least the money men will be happy.
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