Club World Cup Innovations: Progress or Problem?

Have the Club World Cup’s Innovations Been Good or Bad?

Whether you’re a traditionalist or a fan of football’s future, the 2025 Club World Cup has introduced a wave of innovations – many of which are sparking debate across the football world.

With a new 32-team format, FIFA has rolled out several experimental features: player walk-ons, referee bodycams, the eight-second goalkeeper rule, live VAR replays in stadiums, quicker offside technology, and a fan-voted Superior Player of the Match award.

But are these changes actually working? Or are they adding unnecessary complexity to the game?

Player Walk-Ons: Theatrical or Time-Wasting?

In a bold nod to entertainment culture, every starting player now walks out individually, one by one.

Some, like Chelsea’s Romeo Lavia, love it:

“It’s something special and new for us. I enjoyed it… It’s a bit of a showbiz thing.”

But others have criticized the delays, especially as several matches have kicked off late due to the added ceremony. Fans have voiced frustration at the increased pre-match wait times.

Ref Cam: A View from the Whistle

The referee’s view on Rico Lewis’ red-card challenge on Samuel Obeng

The ref cam, showing footage from a referee’s body camera before kick-off and at the coin toss, is aimed more at storytelling than officiating. It does not show live in-game footage, especially of controversial or sensitive incidents.

FIFA says it adds a unique perspective. Critics argue it’s more gimmick than game-changer.

Eight-Second Rule for Goalkeepers: A New Pressure Point

Yassine Bounou has been penalised for holding on to the ball for too long

One of the most divisive changes is the strict eight-second rule for goalkeepers holding the ball.

If they exceed that time, a corner is awarded to the opposition.

It has already affected matches – notably Yassine Bounou of Al-Hilal and Ronwen Williams of Mamelodi Sundowns were both penalized. While intended to speed up the game, the rule has caused confusion and high drama.

VAR Replays for Fans in the Stadium

VAR being shown on screen during the 1-1 draw between Real Madrid and Al Hilal

VAR transparency has been taken a step further. For the first time, fans in the stadium can see the same VAR replays being shown to referees.

However, audio from VAR discussions remains private – a sticking point for many who compare football to rugby or American sports.

FIFA’s Pierluigi Collina says more transparency may come, but not at the risk of affecting decision-making.

Quicker Offside Calls: No More Delays

Semi-automated offside in use during Al Ahly’s goalless draw with Inter Miami

A faster version of semi-automated offside technology (SAO) is being trialled. If a player is more than 10cm offside, the assistant referee is immediately alerted to stop play.

This is a response to previous injuries like that of Taiwo Awoniyi, who was hurt in an incident that should have been called offside earlier.

The system is already reducing delays and preventing unnecessary risks.

‘Superior Player’ Award: Marketing or Merit?

Phil Foden was named Superior Player of the Match following Manchester City’s win over Al Wydad

Replacing “Man of the Match,” the Superior Player of the Match award is sponsored by Michelob Ultra and decided by public vote via FIFA+ from minutes 60 to 88.

Winners so far include Michael Olise, Vitinha, Pedro Neto, and Phil Foden.

While the fan engagement is a nice touch, some question whether such branding takes away from the sporting prestige of the award.

Final Verdict: Innovation or Interference?

The Club World Cup’s new era is full of ambition. FIFA’s efforts to modernize the tournament are certainly bold, but reactions are mixed:

• Positives: Improved fan engagement, faster decisions, better VAR transparency.

• Negatives: Delays due to walk-ons, gimmicky branding, stricter rules causing confusion.

As more matches are played and temperatures rise—literally and figuratively—FIFA may have to refine or even roll back some of its experiments before the 2026 World Cup.