FIFA Issues Firm Rebuttal to Barcelona’s Hopes for Club World Cup Spot
FIFA has officially closed the door on Barcelona’s late hopes of entering the 2025 Club World Cup, following the exclusion of Mexico’s Club León for breaching Article 10 of tournament regulations, which prohibits “time-sharing” of players.
In its statement, FIFA emphasized that the vacated CONCACAF slot will not go to a European club but instead be resolved via a playoff between Club América and Los Angeles FC, effectively ruling out speculative entries from clubs like Barcelona or Liverpool.
FIFA reinforced its commitment to maintaining continental integrity:
“FIFA welcomes the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to dismiss the appeals filed by Pachuca, León, and Alajuelense.”
This strong wording was widely interpreted as a subtle yet direct message to European clubs hoping to capitalize on León’s disqualification. Barcelona, having failed to qualify through traditional means, had been lobbying for inclusion, but FIFA’s ruling confirms they will not participate in the expanded 32-team format.
The tournament, set to be the largest and most lucrative Club World Cup ever, will take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025, offering a €120 million prize to the champions.
