Qatar in talks with Fifa to host first Women's Club World Cup in January 2028, sparking controversy over human rights and women's football development.
The tournament, set to feature the world's top female club teams, will be held from January 5-30, 2028, prompting fears of disruption to domestic leagues in Europe. With no official bidding process announced yet, Qatar's involvement raises concerns about the organization's stance on LGBTQ+ rights and its limited history of promoting women's football.
The country has already made headlines with its hosting of the men's 2022 World Cup finals and recent tournaments like the Fifa Intercontinental Cup and Finalissima. While Qatar offers a warm winter climate and existing stadiums, its reputation takes a hit due to its restrictions on LGBTQ+ individuals and limited participation in women's football.
Fifa sources have declined to discuss the nature of any bidding process, leaving the tournament's hosting rights uncertain. Saudi Arabia is another contender, but it has committed to hosting the four-team Spanish Super Cup in January 2028.
The Women's Club World Cup features 16 teams from around the world, including at least five from Europe and two each from Asia, Africa, South America, and North America. A qualifying tournament will determine the final three entrants, with FIFA yet to decide its entry criteria. Arsenal expects to participate as Champions League winners last season.
The competition is set to take place every four years, raising questions about fixture congestion in the women's game. Domestic leagues in Europe may need to introduce longer winter breaks due to the tournament's proximity to other major club competitions like the Champions League.
The tournament, set to feature the world's top female club teams, will be held from January 5-30, 2028, prompting fears of disruption to domestic leagues in Europe. With no official bidding process announced yet, Qatar's involvement raises concerns about the organization's stance on LGBTQ+ rights and its limited history of promoting women's football.
The country has already made headlines with its hosting of the men's 2022 World Cup finals and recent tournaments like the Fifa Intercontinental Cup and Finalissima. While Qatar offers a warm winter climate and existing stadiums, its reputation takes a hit due to its restrictions on LGBTQ+ individuals and limited participation in women's football.
Fifa sources have declined to discuss the nature of any bidding process, leaving the tournament's hosting rights uncertain. Saudi Arabia is another contender, but it has committed to hosting the four-team Spanish Super Cup in January 2028.
The Women's Club World Cup features 16 teams from around the world, including at least five from Europe and two each from Asia, Africa, South America, and North America. A qualifying tournament will determine the final three entrants, with FIFA yet to decide its entry criteria. Arsenal expects to participate as Champions League winners last season.
The competition is set to take place every four years, raising questions about fixture congestion in the women's game. Domestic leagues in Europe may need to introduce longer winter breaks due to the tournament's proximity to other major club competitions like the Champions League.
. Qatar hosting the Women's Club World Cup in January 2028 just doesn't feel right, you know? I mean, they have some serious issues when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights... it's just not something that aligns with what we want to promote in sports: equality and inclusivity 
. And let's be real, women's football development is still a thing, like, there are so many amazing teams around the world working tirelessly to break down barriers and create opportunities for female players. Do we really need to put our hopes on a country that doesn't quite share those values? 
Qatar's restrictions on LGBTQ+ individuals are a major concern and I don't want my money or support going towards an event hosted by a government that doesn't seem to care about its own citizens' rights.
I'd rather see FIFA support teams from countries that are actively working towards equality and fairness for all players. Let's not compromise on our values just to have a "global" event.
. We need to think about the bigger picture here and make sure that this tournament isn't just a PR stunt but something that actually makes a positive impact on women's football worldwide 
FIFA needs to think about more than just the football when making these decisions. I mean, have they thought about how this is gonna affect women's football development in those countries? They need to be promoting equality and inclusivity, not just lining their pockets with cash 
And have you seen the stadiums they've got in Qatar? They're still pretty basic, can't they invest more in some decent facilities? 
Not cool. And what about women's football development? I mean, it seems like they're trying to throw some money at the issue, but are they really making a difference? Let's be real, we all know Qatar's got some work to do before they can even think about hosting this tournament. 
. I'm all for promoting women's sports and giving female teams a chance to shine, but Qatar's track record on LGBTQ+ rights is pretty dodgy, if you ask me 
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. I mean, we're already talking about longer winter breaks in Europe to accommodate this tournament, and that's just gonna disrupt the whole schedule of domestic leagues 
️.
On the other hand, I guess it's a big opportunity for female players and teams from around the world to come together and compete... but what about the logistics of it all? Like, how are they gonna make sure everyone has enough time off from their domestic leagues? It sounds like it could get pretty congested. 
. Not to mention the lack of transparency around FIFA's entry criteria... it's all just a bit fishy, if you ask me 
. I mean, where are we even on this? Is this what it means to be a "global" governing body?
, and now we gotta worry about fixture congestion too? it's a lot of pressure on the players and coaches. and honestly, qatar's involvement makes me sad 
, i know they're trying to promote women's football but their human rights record is just so concerning... meanwhile, saudi arabia hosting the spanish super cup in jan 2028 seems like a pretty safe option 
can't wait to see which teams are gonna make it to the women's club world cup 
. We need more transparency and accountability, not just lip service to equality 
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, but gotta wonder if Qatar's involvement is gonna overshadow the actual sport 
I know some ppl love a good winter break, but others (like me) miss the flow of a normal season 
. And can we pls talk about the whole LGBTQ+ thing? It's not exactly cool that Qatar's got a history of being kinda... restrictive 
. I mean, can't they just let women play football without having a global meltdown? 
And btw, who needs human rights when you've got FIFA and a Women's Club World Cup, right? 
Just kidding, sorta. It's gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out 
! I mean, I get it, women's football needs more exposure, but can't we just have a decent qualifying process before announcing a host country? 
It smells like they're using their profile for some PR stunt over human rights concerns 
It's like they're trying to be the new Dubai or something. 
But seriously, I get it, they've got the cash and the stadiums, so I guess it's not entirely surprising.
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It's just another example of how they're only interested in showcasing their "hospitality" while ignoring the serious issues with LGBTQ+ rights and women's football development. I mean, come on, can't we have a tournament that actually promotes equality and inclusivity for once?