Barcelona may gain big if Real Madrid decide to pull out of the 2025 Club World Cup, potentially sealing a €50 million bonus.
This follows Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti’s recent statement that the club will not participate in the tournament, stating, “FIFA can forget about it.”
The upcoming Club World Cup, scheduled for June and July next year, will feature 32 teams, including 12 from Europe.
According several reports, if Real Madrid withdraw, Barcelona, being the next best-ranked Spanish side, would take their place.
Ancelotti criticized the tournament’s financial offering, claiming that the entire event’s worth to Real Madrid was equivalent to the club’s revenue from a single match.
Despite these concerns, the financial incentive for Barcelona is substantial, and the cash-strapped club is unlikely to reject such an opportunity, Football Espana reported.
FIFPro has already raised concerns about the tournament, and a mass withdrawal by clubs like Real Madrid could jeopardize its success.
Additionally, Real Madrid’s vested interest in the potential Superleague launch in 2025 adds to their stance against the Club World Cup.