Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has confirmed that the team will not participate in the next year’s Club World Cup.
The tournament is planned to expand to 32 teams and take place over four weeks in the US after the 2024-25 season.
Real Madrid, a dominant force in the competition with five wins in nine years, decided not to join due to FIFA’s insufficient financial offer.
Ancelotti expressed discontent, stating that the proposed sum for the entire tournament does not match the value of a single Real Madrid match.
The decision to expand the Club World Cup has faced backlash, especially regarding player welfare.
Premier League and La Liga authorities have threatened to boycott the tournament, criticizing FIFA for adding more matches to an already packed football schedule.
PFA boss Maheta Molango even mentioned the possibility of legal action against FIFA if they persist with the expansion plans without considering players’ well-being. Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano also shares concerns about the situation.