Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has indicated that the club will likely decline an invitation to participate in the reimagined Club World Cup scheduled for 2025. The tournament, traditionally held at the end of the year, has been extended to nearly a month and will take place in the United States during the height of summer, coinciding with the end of the club season.
In a recent interview with Il Giornale, Ancelotti expressed Real Madrid’s opposition to playing in the competition, citing concerns over player workload. He mentioned that clubs like Real Madrid could end up playing up to 72 games in the 2024/2025 season if they participate in the Club World Cup. Ancelotti firmly stated that both players and clubs will not be taking part in the tournament.
Despite reports of a significant financial incentive for clubs participating in the Club World Cup, Ancelotti highlighted that Madrid’s worth far exceeds the proposed amount. He also predicted that several other clubs would decline the invitation as well. While the decision not to participate may pose a challenge for FIFA, it seems that Real Madrid is still planning to compete in the Intercontinental Cup in December 2024.
Ancelotti, who has had successful stints with AC Milan and Real Madrid, expressed his deep connection to both clubs. He described Milan as being in his heart due to his history as a player and coach there, while he referred to Madrid as “special” and noted the club’s rich history and reverence for past footballers. Despite his fondness for both clubs, it appears that Real Madrid’s decision to skip the Club World Cup reflects their commitment to maintaining player welfare and managing their schedule effectively.