Real Madrid Reportedly Rejects FIFA’s 2025 Club World Cup, Carlo Ancelotti Takes Strong Stance

• Real Madrid are set to decline their invitation to participate in the controversial new FIFA Club World Cup slated for 2025
• This was revealed by head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who explained why his side and a host of others will 'reject' the invitation
• The competition is set to take place in the United States at the end of next season, with 32 teams from across the globe invited

Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has reportedly confirmed that his side will not participate in the revamped FIFA Club World Cup in 2025.

The veteran Italian coach, who led Los Blancos to their record 15th UEFA Champions League title, made this startling announcement in an interview.

Ancelotti told Il Giornale that the Spanish giants would decline an invitation to the 2025 tournament, which will feature 32 teams, citing concerns about overloading players with too many matches and the insufficient financial reward.

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"Fifa forgets it, players and clubs will not participate in that tournament. A single Real Madrid match is worth 20 million, and FIFA wants to give us that amount for the entire cup. Negative," the 61-year-old said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

How would the new Club World Cup look?

Instead of the traditional year-end mini-tournament involving a UEFA Champions League-winning team playing in the semi-finals and final, the Club World Cup will now be a nearly month-long event held in the United States at the end of the club season during the summer.

The 2025 Club World Cup will feature 32 teams selected from six different federations, according to GOAL.

UEFA has the most representatives, with 12 slots, followed by CONMEBOL, with six. The AFC and CAF will each have four teams.

CONCACAF typically has four slots but will receive an additional one in 2025 due to hosting responsibilities. The OFC will have just one representative.

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Which European clubs have qualified?

Eleven other UEFA clubs, in addition to Real Madrid, have qualified for the newly revamped Club World Cup.

The teams include Chelsea, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter, Porto, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, and Red Bull Salzburg.

Ancelotti reveals pick for 2024 Ballon d'Or

Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti has revealed his pick for the Ballon d'Or, as reported by Sports Brief.

Despite Jude Bellingham being a strong contender following his impressive debut season at Santiago Bernabeu, Ancelotti has a different view.

The seasoned Italian coach believes Vinicius Jr. is the most deserving of the prestigious award.