Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger, who now serves as FIFA’s chief of global football development, has bluntly dismissed Jurgen Klopp’s view on the Club World Cup.
While Klopp has called it “the worst idea” in football, Wenger has insisted that a “real” Club World Cup was needed.
The indirect fallout between Premier League icons has left fans divided. Whereas some have backed the Club World Cup, others have pointed out how Klopp is better suited to have an opinion about the tournament.
Arsene Wenger Dismisses Jurgen Klopp’s Club World Cup Remark
In an interview with German outlet Die Welt, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp mercilessly bashed the 32-team Club World Cup. He called it a “pointless” competition, designed by those who know nothing about football.
Klopp said (via ESPN):
“It’s a pointless competition. Whoever wins it will be the worst winner of all time because they’ll have played all summer and then gone straight back into the league.
“There are people who have never been involved in the day-to-day business of football and are now coming up with ideas.”
Jurgen Klopp called the Club World Cup "the worst idea ever implemented in football." 😳 pic.twitter.com/kLRrAKHHTH
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 28, 2025
He added:
“It’s too many games. I fear that next season we will see injuries like never before. If not, then they’ll come during or after the Club World Cup.
“There’s no real recovery for those involved, neither physically nor mentally.”
During a FIFA Technical Study Group on Thursday, July 10, Arsene Wenger commented on his former rival’s comments.
“Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and I don’t share Jurgen Klopp’s view at all,” Wenger told reporters.
Arsene Wenger has hit back at Jurgen Klopp's criticisms of the Fifa Club World Cup 🌎 pic.twitter.com/trrCn8Ipzk
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 10, 2025
“I feel that a Club World Cup, a real Club World Cup, was needed. If you make an inquiry today with all the clubs who were here at this competition, I’m sure that we have 100% of answers of people who want to do this again. So that’s basically the best answer.”
Fans Divided As Arsene Wenger and Jurgen Klopp Clash on CWC Issue
Jurgen Klopp and Arsene Wenger’s contrasting takes on the Club World Cup have divided fans.
@OyinSteven also called the Club World Cup a necessity, as it gave fans an escape from political imbalance.
“The club world Cup is truly needed and it’s nice to see clubs from different countries compete. The world needs football competition regularly to engage the humans because political leaders around the world are busy with politics that are causing serious imbalance our lives”
@DadzieEllis was also in Wenger’s camp, delivering the “sour grapes” analogy.
“It’s only people who are related to clubs they didn’t qualify for this year club World Cup will find this disturbing .. they are so pissed that they call this beautiful tournament a glorify friendlies. Omg they wish they were in buh hey your past performances were onions”
@eyup_io backed the Club World Cup and asked Klopp to stay out of it.
They wrote:
“Proper managers stick to the game, not throwing stones from the sidelines. If Klopp’s got a problem, maybe he should just concentrate on his own team.”
Klopp also found a lot of support.
@perrymingle argued that Wenger should not comment as he never participated in the tournament.
“Arsene has never been to the CWC before
Jurgen has so he is better suited to have an opinion on it”
@RoscoBosco21 noted how Klopp’s comments served the players, while Wenger’s only served FIFA.
“All Klopp cares about is the welfare of the players. Wenger sold out to FIFA a long time ago.”
@mchadwick77 highlighted the poor attendance at the Club World Cup, claiming there were free tickets all around.
“Bought and paid for BS. Chelsea Semi-Final $8 entry, but $15 for a burger. Free tickets everywhere.
Stop kidding yourselves, FIFA. The USA doesn’t want football. How much did the FIFA are execs siphoning off for themselves?”
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup concludes on Sunday, July 13, with a clash between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. According to the best betting sites in the UK, the Parisians are the overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy.
