‘We will reject the invitation’ – Ancelotti confirms Real Madrid’s frustration with FIFA

In a significant shift for global club football, FIFA announced a revamped format for the Club World Cup, set to debut in 2025. This new competition, scheduled to run from June 15 to July 13, will feature 32 teams, a substantial expansion from the previous format.

Details of the New Format

Under the new arrangement, the tournament will see the participation of 12 teams from the UEFA zone. Automatic qualification has been granted to the winners of the UEFA Champions League from 2021 through 2024. These teams are:

– Real Madrid (2021 and 2024, which means the slot will be given to another club)
– Chelsea (2022)
– Manchester City (2023)

The remaining eight UEFA spots will be filled by teams selected based on their performance and standings in European competitions, although specific criteria for selection have not been fully disclosed.

Qualified Teams

The clubs that have secured their spots in the 2025 Club World Cup from Europe so far include:

– Real Madrid
– Atletico Madrid
– Manchester City
– Chelsea
– Bayern Munich
– Borussia Dortmund
– Paris Saint-Germain
– Inter Milan
– Juventus
– Porto
– Benfica
– RB Salzburg

Controversy and Criticism

Despite the excitement surrounding the expanded tournament, not everyone in the football community is on board. Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of Real Madrid, has been particularly vocal in his criticism of the new format during an interview with Il Giornale. Ancelotti has expressed strong dissatisfaction, stating, “FIFA can forget it. The players and clubs will not participate in that tournament. A single Real Madrid match is worth 20 million euros and FIFA wants to give us that amount of money for the entire competition. It will not be. Like us, other clubs will reject the invitation.”

Real have also previously been rumoured to pose concerns over player fatigue ahead of a packed season, which could see them play up to 72 games.

Ancelotti’s comments underscore a broader concern among top clubs about the financial and logistical viability of the new competition. The proposed compensation from FIFA, according to Ancelotti, does not match the revenue potential of domestic league and Champions League matches, leading to reluctance from clubs to participate.

The Path Forward

As the football world prepares for this new era of the Club World Cup, FIFA will need to address these concerns to ensure the participation of the top clubs and players. The success of the tournament will largely depend on finding a balance between the commercial interests of the clubs and the global ambitions of FIFA.

The introduction of the new format aims to elevate the Club World Cup’s prestige and provide a global stage for the world’s best teams. However, the road ahead involves navigating significant challenges, including club cooperation, player welfare, and financial incentives.

The 2025 Club World Cup promises to be a landmark event in football history, but its ultimate success will depend on the resolution of these critical issues.