Carlo Ancelotti, coach of Real Madrid, has announced that the club will not be participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. In an interview with Il Giornale, Ancelotti expressed concerns about the tournament’s revamped format and the amount of prize money being offered by FIFA.
According to Ancelotti, FIFA is offering a significantly lower amount for the entire tournament than what a single Real Madrid match is worth. This has led to the decision for Real Madrid to reject the invitation, and Ancelotti believes that other clubs will follow suit.
FIFA has proposed expanding the Club World Cup to include 32 teams and moving the tournament to the summer of 2025. Negotiations are still ongoing regarding television rights and prize money distribution for this new format.
Real Madrid will still be participating in the 2024 edition of the Club World Cup, which will feature the champions from each continent. They are scheduled to play against Pachuca (CONCACAF), Al-Ain (AFC), Al-Ahly (CAF), Auckland City (OFC), and the winner of the 2024 Copa Libertadores.