FANS have been left baffled after Chelsea were announced as qualifiers for the expanded 2025 Fifa Club World Cup.
The tournament is set to undergo a big shake-up next year with 32 teams involved.
And surprisingly, Chelsea will be one of them, joining the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PSG.
One fan reacted to the news, saying: “Why are Chelsea there.”
Another said: “Chelsea finished 10th but still going to the Club World Cup.”
One added: “What is the criteria for qualification?”
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Another agreed: “How did Chelsea qualify? What qualification criteria did FIFA use?”
Despite mass fan confusion, Fifa confirmed that Champions League winners from 2021-2024 qualify for the tournament.
And Chelsea lifted the European cup under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel only three years ago.
Winners of “each confederationβs premier club competition” also qualify, explaining Bayern Munich and PSG’s presence.
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2025 Fifa Club World Cup teams so far
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Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco)
Al Ahly SC (Egypt)
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Al Hilal SFC (Saudi Arabia)
Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
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Chelsea (England)
Real Madrid (Spain)
Manchester City (England)
Bayern Munich (Germany)
PSG (France)
Inter Milan (Italy)
Porto (Portugal)
Benfica (Portugal)
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CF Monterrey (Mexico)
Seattle Sounders FC (United States)
Club Leon (Mexico)
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Auckland City FC (New Zealand)
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SE Palmeiras (Brazil)
CR Flamengo (Brazil)
Fluminense FC (Brazil)
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More info will be announced throughout 2024 β including the trophy, host cities, and the draw.
But for now, the first 19 sides have been announced, with a further 13 to be added.
The new 32-team tournament format will take place every four years with an extended international break merging the current September and October slots to facilitate the changes.
City – last season’s Champions League winners – are the current holders.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
