Real Madrid’s participation in the 2025 Club World Cup was cast into doubt earlier due to the publication of statements by Carlo Ancelotti, in which he claimed the team would withdraw for economic reasons. This set off alarms, with the possibility that other European teams might make the same decision. However, both the Spanish institution and the coach later denied this possibility.
“FIFA forgets that the players and the clubs will not participate in that tournament. A single match for Real Madrid is worth 20 million euros, and FIFA wants to give us that amount for the entire World Cup. Like us, other clubs will reject the invitation,” said the coach in an interview with the Italian newspaper Il Giornale. With those words, the controversy began.
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In the face of the uproar, Ancelotti himself clarified the situation on his social media. “In my interview with Il Giornale, my words about the FIFA Club World Cup were not interpreted as I intended. Nothing is further from my interest than to reject the possibility of playing in a tournament that I consider a great opportunity to continue fighting for big titles with Real Madrid,” he wrote in a post.
Real Madrid also released a statement to dispel any doubts about their participation: “At no time has participation in the new Club World Cup organized by FIFA for the next 2024/2025 season been questioned.” “Our club will compete in this official competition as planned, which we face with pride and the utmost enthusiasm to once again make our millions of fans around the world dream of a new title,” the official text indicated.
While the figures that the clubs will receive are still being negotiated, it is estimated that there will be a fixed amount for participating and bonuses based on results. This will be the same for each institution, regardless of the confederation they represent.
Economic differences between Europe and the rest
In this regard, Ancelotti’s words published in Italy threatened to create a rift. For Real Madrid and other major European teams, the financial amount might seem trivial, but for clubs from other parts of the world, it represents a significant financial boost.
Undoubtedly, this is the case for CONMEBOL teams, which already have four confirmed representatives. Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Fluminense have secured their places by being continental champions in the last three years, and River Plate (Argentina) joined due to their ranking. Two more spots will be decided based on the current Copa Libertadores.
The 2025 Club World Cup will debut a new format with 32 teams, divided into eight groups of four, with the top two advancing to the round of 16 and knockout matches until the final, without a match for third place. It will be played over an entire month, from June 15 to July 13, in the United States.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the full series, available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel.
