Concerns are mounting regarding the fairness and potential challenges surrounding the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, particularly concerning its timing, location, and the level of support from FIFA. The tournament, which brings together champion clubs from six continental confederations, is intended to elevate women's club football on a global stage. However, several factors have sparked debate and apprehension within the football community.

One primary concern revolves around the scheduling of the Women’s Champions Cup. The tournament is slated to take place in January, a time already congested with domestic league matches and other international competitions. This has raised worries about player welfare, with critics pointing to the potential for increased injuries due to a lack of adequate rest and recovery time. The quick turnarounds between matches in the 2024 Paris Olympics, for instance, led to a high number of injuries, highlighting the risks of an overly packed schedule. FIFA's decision to incorporate more international breaks has further intensified these concerns, adding to the physical strain on players.

The decision to host the semi-finals, third-place play-off, and final in London has also drawn criticism. While the presence of UEFA Women's Champions League winners Arsenal might attract local fans, questions remain about the appeal of the other participating teams to a broader audience. Some observers have noted that setting up broadcasting infrastructure for a short, four-game tournament featuring teams with limited name recognition in the UK could be a deterrent for major broadcasters. This is reflected in the fact that TV rights for the tournament remained unsold until recently. Broadcasters such as Sky Sports and the BBC, who hold rights to England's Women's Super League (WSL), reportedly declined the opportunity to broadcast the Women's Champions Cup. However, currently the matches can be watched on CBS / Paramount+ (United States), Sky Sports (UK & Ireland), CazéTV (Brazil), SNRT (Morocco), and DAZN (everywhere else).

Doubts have also surfaced regarding the level of FIFA's commitment to promoting and supporting the tournament. The initial struggle to sell broadcasting rights raised questions about FIFA's approach, with reports suggesting that the organization targeted key broadcasters in individual markets without a formal tender process. This contrasts with the revamped men's Club World Cup, where FIFA eventually secured a substantial deal with DAZN after an initial period of uncertainty. Jill Ellis, FIFA Chief Football Officer, has expressed her delight in welcoming Visa as a global sponsor for the inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup. Visa will also present the Player of the Match awards at both semi-finals, the play-off for third place and the final. The global brand will also be the presenting sponsor of the Player of the Tournament Award.

Despite these challenges, the Women’s Champions Cup represents a significant step forward for women's club football, offering a platform for teams from different continents to compete. For the inaugural event, six teams, each representing one of FIFA's continental confederations, are participating. In round one, the champions of the AFC Women's Champions League hosted the winners of the OFC Women's Champions League. In round two, the champions of the CAF Women's Champions League hosted the winner from Round 1. In the semi-finals, the Round 2 winner will play the champions of the UEFA Women's Champions League, while the champions of the CONCACAF W Champions Cup will face the champions of the Copa Libertadores Femenina. The semi-final winners will contest the final, and the losers will play in the third-place match. Arsenal and Brentford stadiums will stage the semi-finals, third-place play-off and final in London from January 28 to February 1.

Ultimately, the success of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup will depend on addressing the concerns surrounding its timing, location, and the level of support it receives. Prioritizing player welfare, ensuring fair representation, and fostering genuine enthusiasm among broadcasters and fans will be crucial for establishing the tournament as a prominent and sustainable fixture in the global football calendar.