Fifa Club World Cup: How Saudi Arabia is underpinning the tournament

Saudi Arabia's money appears to be underpinning the revamped Club World Cup .

The tournament has struggled to generate interest, drawing criticism for the impact it could have on players, domestic leagues, and the environment.

Real Madrid will kick off their campaign against Saudi side Al-Hilal at Miami 's Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday .

Real's Saudi opponents are owned by the kingdom's Public Investment Fund ( PIF ).

FIFA president Sepp Blatter says the Club World Cup will "over-charge the international calendar" FIFA reject suggestion Saudi Arabia's investment into the tournament was from one country.

DAZN 's emerging markets chief executive Pete Oliver defends the investment in what he calls "a fantastic competition" FA source says Saudi 's support for the 2034 World Cup was "a marriage of convenience" Sources say the country was always likely to stage the World Cup regardless of backing of the tournament.

Saudi government told BBC Sport investment is based on opportunity for growth in new market.

Fifa is reportedly already considering a 48 -team Club World Cup in 2029 .

DAZN 's Oliver says the concept could work, as long as quality of the teams is high.

FIFA president Infantino recently said the sport's annual GDP could double to half a trillion dollars in economic impact.