Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City have all been stripped of a major title by FIFA.
🏆 Chelsea Crowned ‘First-Ever’ Club World Cup Champions Under FIFA’s New Format — Blow to United, Liverpool, and City
Chelsea have etched their name into the history books after a dominant 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the newly formatted FIFA Club World Cup. Goals from Cole Palmer — who netted a brace — and João Pedro sealed the win in New Jersey, securing the trophy for Enzo Maresca’s side before halftime.
This triumph marks Chelsea’s first-ever Club World Cup title, following their 2012 final defeat to Corinthians. But what truly sets this win apart is FIFA’s historic decision to redefine how the tournament is recognized going forward.
🚨 FIFA’s New Ruling: Only One ‘World Champion’
According to The Daily Mail, FIFA has ruled that Chelsea are now the “first-ever” Club World Cup winners under the new 32-team format, which featured a group and knockout stage — a significant expansion from the previous version. As a result, all past winners of the old Club World Cup format, including Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City, will now be reclassified as “FIFA Intercontinental Champions.”
This has sparked considerable debate across fanbases, as FIFA’s decision effectively diminishes the legacy of previous champions — despite their having lifted a trophy that also bore the “Club World Cup” branding.
⚠️ Confusion Over Titles and Trophies
Adding to the controversy is the overlap with the existing FIFA Intercontinental Cup, a newer December tournament involving the six continental champions. That competition, in turn, shares its name with an earlier tournament (1970–2004) that featured only the UEFA and CONMEBOL champions.
The 2024 version of the Club World Cup introduced a brand-new trophy, reinforcing the separation between the new and old eras — despite the long-standing global recognition of previous winners as “world champions.”
📅 What’s Next?
The revamped Club World Cup is set to return in 2029, with several teams — including PSG, Al Hilal, Pyramids, and Cruz Azul — already qualified after winning their respective continental titles.
💬 The Legacy Debate Begins
Chelsea’s win is undeniably historic, but FIFA’s decision has sparked intense debate over how footballing history is recorded and recognized.
For now, only one club is officially recognized as a Club World Champion by FIFA — and that club is Chelsea.
