Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti recently made headlines by announcing that the club will not be participating in the first edition of FIFA’s new Club World Cup tournament next summer. Ancelotti cited a lack of financial incentive as the primary reason for Madrid’s decision to skip the tournament, despite having qualified by winning the Champions League title in both 2022 and 2024.
The new Club World Cup is set to take place in the United States in June and July 2025, featuring 32 teams from various regions across the globe. However, Madrid’s refusal to participate sheds light on some of the challenges that the tournament is facing, particularly in terms of financial compensation for participating clubs.
Ancelotti highlighted the stark difference between what FIFA is offering in terms of financial rewards for the entire competition and what a single Real Madrid game is worth. He emphasized that the proposed amount from FIFA, which equals €20 million for the entire competition, is significantly lower than what top clubs like Madrid could potentially earn from a single match.
In his statement, Ancelotti also alluded to the fact that other clubs, which he did not name, are also expected to refuse the invitation to participate in the new Club World Cup. This collective stance among top clubs raises questions about the overall appeal and financial viability of the tournament, especially when compared to existing competitions like the Champions League and Copa Libertadores.
The revamped FIFA Club World Cup is positioned as a flagship initiative for the governing body of world football, aiming to emulate the success of prestigious club competitions. However, the tournament has faced criticism from domestic leagues and players’ unions, who argue that it risks overburdening players with additional matches.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has pushed back against these criticisms, arguing that the number of matches organized by FIFA is relatively small compared to the overall volume of games played by clubs and national teams worldwide. Infantino maintained that FIFA’s funding of football globally is essential and hopes to dispel any doubts surrounding the necessity of the new Club World Cup.
While Ancelotti is currently on holiday in Vancouver, Canada, he expressed his desire to potentially change midfielder Toni Kroos’ decision to retire after the European Championship. This personal concern highlights the human element behind the financial decisions made by clubs and players in the ever-evolving landscape of modern football.
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