Moise Katumbi has reached another milestone in his football leadership career after being appointed vice-president of the newly formed World Football Club Association (WFCA) this Saturday. The former TP Mazembe president and influential Congolese football figure now joins a prestigious group of global decision-makers, marking a significant step onto the international stage. His appointment reflects growing recognition of his work in African football and his long-standing commitment to club development and governance.
The WFCA is a global alliance created to represent the interests of major football clubs across continents. One of its primary objectives is to oppose the recent reform of the FIFA Club World Cup, a project that has generated considerable debate within the football community. The association seeks to provide a unified voice for clubs that feel their concerns have not been adequately addressed regarding the tournament’s new structure, scheduling, and potential impact on domestic competitions and player welfare.
The organization brings together eight prominent clubs from around the world, underlining its international scope and influence. Among the founding members are European giants Real Madrid from Spain and AC Milan from Italy, as well as Argentine powerhouses Boca Juniors and River Plate. Club America from Mexico, Guangzhou Evergrande from China, Auckland City from New Zealand, and TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo complete the group. This diverse lineup highlights the WFCA’s ambition to represent clubs from every major football region rather than focusing solely on Europe.
Katumbi’s presence within this elite circle carries symbolic and practical significance. As a long-time leader at TP Mazembe, he helped transform the Congolese club into one of Africa’s most successful teams, achieving continental titles and gaining worldwide respect. His experience in managing a competitive club outside Europe brings a broader perspective to the WFCA, ensuring that African football has a voice in global decision-making processes. His appointment also underscores the increasing importance of African clubs in international football politics.
The WFCA is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, positioning it close to FIFA’s administrative center and reinforcing its intention to play an active role in global discussions. Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has been named president of the association, with Katumbi serving as vice-president. Together, they aim to coordinate the group’s stance on major issues affecting club football, particularly the controversial Club World Cup reforms.
FIFA recently announced plans to overhaul the Club World Cup by expanding it from seven to 24 teams and staging the tournament every four years. The first edition under the new format is scheduled to take place in China in 2021. While FIFA believes the change will enhance the competition’s prestige and global appeal, several clubs and organizations remain skeptical. Like the WFCA, the European Club Association (ECA) has also voiced opposition, citing concerns over an already congested calendar and increased physical demands on players.
In this context, Katumbi’s new role represents both personal recognition and strategic importance for African football. By joining the leadership of the WFCA, he becomes one of the key figures shaping the global conversation around the future of club competitions, reinforcing his status as a respected and influential stakeholder in the sport.
