Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists expanding the Club World Cup will be good football.
The move has been criticised by managers and players.
But Wenger insists: "The positive impact this will have on clubs is going to be huge, because it will increase resources for clubs all over the world to develop and to compete.
"In Europe we are lucky, but it's important that we make football really global and this creates a chance for other clubs to progress. It will give more opportunities to more players all over the world to compete at the highest level.
"I accept that the football calendar is a busy one, but this is a competition that is going to take place every four years and of course the rest period during the competition and afterwards has to be respected."
Wenger also said: "The welfare of the players in the last 20 years has increased dramatically when you look at injury prevention, recovery work, nutrition and advances in medical technology.
"Also VAR has helped with the protection of players, as players know they cannot escape from making bad tackles that cause injury.
"We see players receiving world awards, the likes of Messi, Ronaldo, Benzema, all over the age of 35. And it is not unusual to see international careers lasting over 20 years.
"Not so long ago, that was not possible."
