Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, has declared that the esteemed Spanish club will decline the invitation to partake in the forthcoming FIFA Club World Cup, citing dissatisfaction with the tournament’s prize funds.
The decision comes in the wake of FIFA’s announcement in December 2023 regarding an expansion of the tournament to accommodate 32 teams. The inaugural edition is slated to span four weeks in the United States next summer, following the culmination of the 2024–25 season.
Real Madrid, a prominent contender expected to feature in the tournament, boasts an impressive record, having clinched the Club World Cup title five times in the past decade.
In an interview with Italian newspaper Il Giornale, Ancelotti articulated the club’s stance, stating, “FIFA forgets that the clubs and players will not participate in that tournament. A single Real Madrid match is worth €20m (£17m), and they want to offer us that amount for the entire competition. Unacceptable. Real Madrid, along with other clubs, will respectfully decline the invitation.”
Criticism Surrounding the Expansion:
FIFA’s decision to expand the Club World Cup has encountered criticism in recent weeks, primarily stemming from concerns regarding player welfare.
In May, the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) of England cautioned FIFA that players might resort to striking in an effort to reduce their match workload.
According to The Sun, PFA chief executive Maheta Molango disclosed the possibility of legal action against FIFA if they persist with their plans to expand the Club World Cup. He emphasized, “Those in charge of the sport must heed our concerns. If they fail to do so, as representatives of the players, we are obligated to take action, and pursuing legal avenues becomes inevitable. Despite ample opportunities, the governing bodies have neglected meaningful engagement with us. The current workload on players is unsustainable.”
Qualified Teams:
Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Inter Milan, Al Ahly, Mamelodi Sundowns, Borussia Dortmund, Flamengo, and Seattle Sounders are among the clubs that have secured qualification for the Club World Cup.
