Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has announced that the club will not participate in FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup in 2025 due to financial concerns. In an interview with Italian newspaper Il Giornale, Ancelotti expressed his opposition to the tournament, stating that the amount offered by FIFA for the entire competition was insufficient compared to the value of a single Real Madrid game, which is estimated to be €20 million. He also suggested that other clubs would follow suit and refuse the invitation.
The decision by Real Madrid comes as FIFA prepares for its first expanded men’s Club World Cup, featuring 32 top clubs from various confederations. So far, 29 of the 32 slots have been filled. However, the absence of Barcelona, AC Milan, and major Premier League sides has made it challenging for FIFA to attract sponsors and secure media rights partners. Apple is speculated to be the leading contender for global broadcasting rights, but no official deal has been announced yet.
Furthermore, FIFA has not revealed the host cities, venues, or sponsorship agreements for the tournament. The Athletic reported that matches are expected to primarily take place on the east coast of the United States to cater to European television audiences. MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami are anticipated to be among the host venues.
The revamped Club World Cup is seen as FIFA’s flagship initiative to rival prestigious club competitions like the UEFA Champions League and Copa Libertadores. However, its success has been overshadowed by the absence of top clubs and the financial concerns raised by Real Madrid. The tournament is scheduled to be held every four years, with the U.S. event set to take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025.
In conclusion, Real Madrid’s decision not to participate in FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup highlights the financial challenges associated with the tournament. The absence of major clubs and the struggle to secure sponsors and media rights partners have raised concerns about its success. FIFA still has work to do in finalizing details such as host cities, venues, and sponsorship agreements. The future of the Club World Cup remains uncertain, but FIFA will need to address these challenges to ensure its credibility as a prestigious club competition.