Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has announced that the club will not be participating in the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. In an interview with Il Giornale, Ancelotti expressed his concerns about the new format of the tournament, stating that FIFA seems to have overlooked the concerns of players and clubs as they are offering a significantly low amount in comparison to what a single Real Madrid match is worth.
FIFA has proposed a major revamp of the Club World Cup, which would see the competition expand to 32 teams and be held in the summer of 2025. Negotiations are still ongoing regarding television rights and prize money for the revamped tournament. Despite their refusal to participate in the 2025 edition, Real Madrid has confirmed their participation in the 2024 edition of the tournament, which will stick to the traditional format featuring champions from each continent. The 2024 edition will feature teams such as Pachuca (CONCACAF), Al-Ain (AFC), Al-Ahly (CAF), Auckland City (OFC), and the winner of the 2024 Copa Libertadores.
