Leonardo Jardim believes FIFA has shown too much favouritism to European clubs at the Club World Cup, and the Al Hilal head coach has railed against a schedule that has forced them to play an extra game in Abu Dhabi.
To get to this stage, the Saudi Arabia champions trounced hosts Al Jazira 6-1 on Sunday, a record triumph in the competition.
Former Manchester United and Watford striker Odion Ighalo scored on his debut, with Matheus Pereira also scoring. Last season, Pereira scored twice in West Bromwich Albion's 5-2 victory at Stamford Bridge. And as a result of that effort, Jardim believes that European teams receiving a bye to the semi-final have been given special treatment, which has harmed the tournament's competitive balance.
"I'd want to issue a warning to FIFA because I believe it is unjust that some teams must play four games in eight days while others, the best, must play two games with their teams rested," he stated.
"The match scheduling should be taken more seriously to allow Asia and South America to have a chance to win this cup."
Jardim, who was speaking through a translator, may have misspoken when he mentioned South America, because Copa Libertadores teams also start their seasons in the last four. Chelsea last played on Saturday at midday, winning in extra time in the FA Cup fourth round against Plymouth Argyle, and have endured the most demanding schedule of any English club as a result of their participation here.
"I'm sure European teams, in this case Chelsea and previously Liverpool, are usually favourites," Jardim continued. "There's no doubt about it, but we have an advantage since Al Hilal has two days to heal and the other 24 teams are all equal when one club comes out fresh.""Our win in the previous match reflects that - Al Jazira struggled in the second half." I believe the contest would have been different if they had rested. In particular, in the second half."
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