FIFA has proposed introducing an additional transfer window in June 2025, ahead of the inaugural edition of its expanded Club World Cup in the United States, the football governing body announced on Thursday.
The proposal would allow clubs participating in the tournament to open an exceptional registration window from 1 to 10 June 2025, giving teams the chance to strengthen their squads before the competition, which runs from 15 June to 13 July. The decision to open the extra window will be at the discretion of each national football association.
In addition to the usual transfer windows in January and during the European summer, FIFA will also allow clubs to make limited player replacements between 27 June and 3 July. This measure is intended to facilitate participation for players whose contracts are set to expire on 30 June.
FIFA is also addressing potential calendar conflicts, such as the overlap between the Club World Cup and the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which will be held at the same time in the USA and Canada. Players involved in both tournaments will be allowed to choose which competition to participate in, despite the usual obligation to respond to international call-ups.
The first expanded Club World Cup will feature 32 teams, with European giants such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Inter Milan among the participants. Other major clubs from around the globe include Al Ahly, Boca Juniors, Flamengo, Palmeiras, River Plate, and Mamelodi Sundowns.
