DFB boss Völler slams scheduling clash between Club World Cup and U21 Euros

DFB sporting director Rudi Völler has criticized the scheduling clash between the 2025 Club World Cup and the U21 European Championship, calling it “frustrating”.

German Football Association (DFB) sporting director Rudi Völler has voiced his frustration over the timing of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, warning that it risks overshadowing the ongoing UEFA U21 European Championship.

The U21 Euros kicked off on Wednesday, with Germany opening their campaign against Slovenia on Thursday evening. 

Völler fears the tournament’s visibility may suffer due to its direct overlap with the expanded Club World Cup, which begins this weekend in the United States.

“It’s frustrating that this Club World Cup exists in its current form. I understand the idea of trying out a Club World Cup. But the fact that it’s running parallel to a U21 European Championship is, of course, a bad situation,” Völler told Bild.

The scheduling conflict has already impacted the Germany U21 squad, with several key players unavailable. 

Jonas Urbig and Tom Bischof (FC Bayern Munich), along with Maximilian Beier and Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund), are all with their clubs for the Club World Cup and unable to participate in the Euros.

However, Völler is not blaming the clubs for wanting to take their best squads to the United States.

“Of course, I understand clubs like Bayern or Dortmund taking players, who would otherwise be with us, to the Club World Cup. I’m not going to be hypocritical and say they should have released them,” the former Germany international and Bayer Leverkusen chief added.

“If I were in their shoes, I probably would’ve done the same.”

Völler also expressed concern that the Club World Cup could end up being staged more often than currently planned in its expanded form.

“As things stand, it’s supposed to take place only every four years,” said Völler, adding:

“But I don’t quite trust it yet – I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up happening more often.

“I hope it doesn’t, because I don’t think it’s a good idea.”