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There was an awkward moment during a virtual meeting last September which involved representatives from FIFA and major European clubs.

As FIFA toiled to secure a broadcaster for its newly expanded Club World Cup - this was before DAZN stepped in to save the day - the meet had been convened to convince global TV networks of the value of the competition.

Representatives from Manchester City made a pitch, while executives from Bayern Munich and Juventus sent video messages to be played on the call.

Then Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin came on the line and asked FIFA for clarity as to how much money his club would make for taking part, referencing how their fierce rivals Real Madrid were expecting to bank vast sums. FIFA had long indicated to Real behind the scenes that more than €100million ($116m; £85m at current exchange rates) would be up for grabs for arguably the biggest club on the planet.

Others present for the virtual meeting were under the impression Gil Marin did not appear to realise broadcasters were present on the call when seeking answers from FIFA. When made...