FIFA Rejects Barcelona’s Bid for Club World Cup 2025 Spot

Barcelona's hopes of sneaking into the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup have been dashed by firm FIFA decision despite the club submitting official application to fill vacant spot.

Why Was Spot Available?

FIFA disqualified Mexican side Club Leon in March due to conflict of interest both Leon & CF Pachuca who qualified for the tournament, are owned by the same entity. FIFA rules prohibit clubs under the same ownership from participating simultaneously.

Barcelona Tried to Step In

According to Marca Barcelona approached FIFA to claim the open spot. However the international body rejected the proposal, opting to keep the berth within the CONCACAF federation which León belongs to.

LAFC Earns the Final Ticket

A playoff was held between Los Angeles FC USA & Club America Mexicoto determine the replacement. LAFC won 2 - 1 in extra time earning the 32nd and final spot. They begin their Club World cup journey Monday night against Chelsea.

Barca & Liverpool Left Out

Despite strong season in which Barcelona won both la liga and the Copa del Rey, the Catalan giants miss out on the expanded Club World cup.

Spain will be represented by Real Madrid (Champions League winners in 2022 & 2024) and Atletico Madrid (via UEFA ranking) with fifa’s limit of two clubs per country preventing Barca’s entry. Another major absentee's Liverpool also edged out by the same regulation.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.