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    Chelsea set to learn Club World Cup opponents with emergency playoff after Fifa break their own rule

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    CHELSEA’S opening Club World Cup replacement opponents are set to be decided by an emergency playoff – as Fifa break their own rules.And they could be handed a reunion with former Blues striker Olivier Giroud – and ex-Spurs skipper Hugo Lloris.Chelsea will discover who they will face at the Club World Cup through an emergency playoffCredit: GettyFifa are breaking their own rules to for the clashCredit: EPAFifa have confirmed it is now “considering” a one-off tie involving Mexico’s Club America and Los Angeles FC of the USA to fill the void after Leon were booted out of the tournament.Chelsea were due to play the Mexican side in their opening game in Atlanta on June 16.But Leon fell foul of Fifa’s multi-club ownership regulations as they are part of the group that also owns fellow Mexicans Pachuca, who also qualified as Concacaf Champions Cup winners.In a statement, a Zurich spokesperson said: “Fifa can confirm that it is considering a playoff match between LAFC and Club América for the right to participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, replacing Club León. “LAFC would participate in the match because they were the runners-up in the 2023 Concacaf Champions’ Cup, which León won.“America would participate because they are the highest-ranked team in Concacaf in the Fifa Club World Cup rankings. Further details will be provided in due course.”Suggestions that Fifa would open the door for Club America, the most widely supported club in Mexico, have grown in recent weeks.Mexican fans ensured sell-outs for the Concacaf Nations Cup finals in Los Angeles last week, even though Mauricio Pochettino’s USA side played the afternoon games in half-empty stadiums before the supporters arrived en masse.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeBut under the regulations Fifa announced when they confirmed the tournament, NEITHER side should be considered.Fifa rules state that no country is allowed more than two representatives UNLESS those clubs were all winners of their confederation’s major club prize in the four-year qualification period.Todd Boehly gives major Chelsea stadium update and vows to leave Stamford BridgeThose regulations meant Liverpool, who would have qualified through Uefa’s coefficient system, were among the major European sides to miss out at the expense of Austrians Salzburg.But Fifa then designated Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami as a “host” team representing Concacaf rather than the USA, whose only official club involved is Seattle Sounders.Mexico already have Monterrey as well as Pachuca, filling their quota, with the measures against Leon instigated by a complaint from Costa Rica’s Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, who argued they should be handed their place as the next eligible side in the coefficient standings.Lloris joined LAFC, part-owned by US actor and comedian Will Ferrell, in December 2023 after more than 11 seasons at Spurs while Giroud, also 38, went to the MLS when he left AC Milan last summer.Leon have already appealed Fifa’s ban decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and any playoff cannot be scheduled until after the result of the legal proceedings are known.Chelsea’s other two opponents in Group D are Brazilians Flamengo, who they meet in Philadelphia on June 20 and Tunisian outfit Esperance, with the final group game in the same venue four days later.The Blues have already been assured of around £30m in appearance money for the inaugural version of the expanded 32-team competition, with a further £67m up for grabs in potential prize money.England’s other representatives, Manchester City, start against Morocco’s Wydad in Philadelphia on June 18.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey then meet Abu Dhabi outfit Al Ain in Atlanta before finishing against Juventus in Orlando on June 26.If they win their respective groups, the two Prem sides cannot meet until the final in New York on July 13. More

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      ‘Football is stained by this’ – James Rodriguez furious as his team kicked out of Club World Cup for rule breach

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      REAL MADRID flop James Rodriguez lashed out at Fifa after his current club were kicked out of the Club World Cup.Rodriguez, 33, now plays for Mexican outfit Leon, qualified for this summer’s competition and were placed in Group D with Chelsea, Flamengo and Esperance de Tunis.James Rodriguez lashed out at Fifa after his current club Leon was kicked out of the Club World CupCredit: GettyRodriguez described the decision as a ‘grave injustice’ and claimed football will be ‘stained’Credit: ReutersAccording to The Mail, however, the Liga MX giants were removed from the Club World Cup due to a breach of Fifa’s regulations regarding multi-club ownership.Leon and Mexican rivals Pachuca are both owned by Grupo Pachuca, and thus their participation was challenged.Rodriguez’s side will be replaced by Costa Rican outfit Alajuelense, while Pachuca will remain in the competition. The Colombia international, though, is raging with that decision, which he described as a “grave injustice”.Read More on FootballThe former Everton ace also stated that Leon’s replacements Alajuelence as well as football as a whole will be “stained”.Rodriguez said: “I think it’s a grave injustice. We all believe that. We won on the pitch.”The club and the players are hurt by this. Thinking about this, if we’re out, it’s not fair. “The team that would replace us would be stained, football would be stained.Most read in Football”So many fans have planned to travel to the tournament, how do you tell them that they can’t go? I have a lot of questions about all this. It’s odd. “I think Fifa has to get their things together. Football is stained by this.”Glamorous Colombia fan who went viral for going braless in eye-popping outfit sends message to ‘hottie’ James RodriguezRodriguez joined Leon in January and one of the key motivations behind his move was to play in the Club World Cup.But the playmaker, who is on a one-year contract, stated that he is “happy” with his current team and suggested he wishes to stay regardless.Rodriguez added: “I’m happy to be here. Whether or not we play in the Club World Cup does not change the fact that I want to stay here.”This is something new for me. I never qualified for a Club World Cup, and weeks before they tell you that you are out. I hope Fifa can do something.”More criticism piles upLeon share Rodriguez’s anger and addressed their elimination with a stern statement.It read: “Club Leon expresses its disagreement with the decision made by FIFA, which could exclude us from the next Club World Cup. “In recent months, we have presented each piece of evidence and documents confirming that Club Leon operates autonomously in all economic, administrative, and sporting aspects.”Should Club Leon be prevented from participating in the 2025 Club World Cup with the same rights with which it earned a place on the pitch, we will pursue the matter to the fullest extent possible in the highest sporting courts.”The restructured Club World Cup competition has attracted immense criticism from players, pundits and fans for several reasons.One of them was the fact that it will take place this summer after a busy season and could lead to exhaustion for a raft of players.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe competition also came under fire when Inter Miami qualified despite not winning the MLS, with many claiming it was down to Fifa attempting to get Lionel Messi in the revamped tournament.The world governing body’s president Gianni Infantino pointed to Miami winning the Supporters Shield, awarded to the American club who perform the best over the regular season, as the reason for their qualification. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo could make never-before-seen ONE-MONTH transfer thanks to new rule – and play against Lionel Messi

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO could still compete in the Club World Cup this summer – even though Al-Nassr did not qualify for the inaugural competition.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is out of contract this summer, with his deal concluding on June 30 – halfway through the Club World Cup.Cristiano Ronaldo could leave Al-Nassr to compete in the Club World CupCredit: GettyRonaldo could, in theory, sign a one-month contract due to new rulesCredit: GettyHowever, new transfer rules that were implemented this week could enable him to leave before that date.Teams competing in the competition will be eligible to sign and register new players between June 1 and June 10.That means Ronaldo could be snapped up before his contract officially expires.And he could, in theory, sign a one-month deal just to play in the Club World Cup.READ MORE ON RONALDOThe likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan are among the clubs set to compete, as well as Real Madrid – Ronaldo’s home for nine years.Inter Miami – the MLS team captained by Ronaldo’s long-term rival, Lionel Messi – will also be involved.Therefore, if Ronaldo were to complete a move, fans could see the two iconic players go head-to-head once again.Given the Club World Cup will take place every four years from this summer, it is unlikely Ronaldo will still be playing when the next one comes around.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 40-year-old has scored 28 goals in 33 appearances for Al-Nassr so far this season, also providing four assists.For clubs not competing at this summer’s World Cup, the transfer window will reopen on Monday 16 June and close on Monday 1 September.Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he is a playable character in new Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves game More

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      Chelsea and Man City’s Club World Cup prize money confirmed with Premier League giants raking in millions

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      CHELSEA and Manchester City have been dangled a near £100million carrot for taking part in this summer’s controversial expanded Club World Cup.City aces including Rodri and Kevin de Bruyne, as well as England skipper Harry Kane, have been among the global stars accusing football chiefs of piling even more games on a congested calendar, without thinking about player welfare.Manchester City or Chelsea could claim almost £100million in prize money if they win this summer’s Club World CupChelsea qualified as 2021 Champions League winnersAnd Man City are part of it after winning Europe’s elite competition in 2023But Fifa President Gianni Infantino believes his latest pet project will become a huge event.And Zurich officials have now outlined exactly how the £775m prize fund – with Fifa insisting every penny will go to clubs around the world – will be split.Fifa say the winners will earn up to $125m – which is a fraction over £97m – under a heavily performance-related prize structure.Clubs can earn a maximum £68m if they win all three group games and go all the way to lift the trophy in New York’s MetLife Stadium on July 13, with the final itself worth £31m to the winners and £23m to the runners up.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThat adds up to a total £368m in performance-related cash, with the remaining £407m split between the 32 competing teams as entrance money.However, to prevent the enormous sum warping the competitive balance in smaller countries, there will not be an even split – which would have seen each club earn around £13m.Instead, the majority of the pool will go to the 12 European qualifiers, with Real Madrid understood to have taken the biggest individual fee of around £30m and Austrian outfit Salzburg taking £10m.Chelsea and City, who qualified as Champions League winners between 2021 and 2024 and who are both also high in the Uefa coefficient table, are each understood to be taking slightly less than Madrid.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeBut New Zealand’s Auckland City, representing Oceania, will be handed just £2.8m while the six South American qualifiers – four from Brazil and Boca Juniors and River Plate from Argentina – will get £11.8m each.The tournament, which has been publicly backed by US President Donald Trump, will kick off on June 14 with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami playing Egypt’s Al-Ahly in the Hard Rock Stadium home of the Miami Dolphins.Argentina humiliate Brazil 4-1 with Emi Martinez even doing keepy ups in his own box in fiery World Cup qualifier Chelsea’s opening opponents remain unclear after Mexican side Leon were bored out of the tournament by Fifa because they are part of the same Multi Club Ownership group as Pachuca.Leon have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to be readmitted but Fifa will not confirm a replacement team for the match in Atlanta on June 16 until the resolution of the legal issues.Chelsea’s other opponents for the group stage are Brazilians Flamengo and Tunisian side Esperance.City will open against Morocco’s Wydad in Philadelphia on June 18 before matches against Al Ain of Abu Dhabi and Juventus.If both Prem clubs win their groups they cannot meet in the competition before the final. More

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      Harry Kane claims players are being ignored over burnout fears as Thomas Tuchel shares break concerns

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      HARRY KANE claims the world’s top stars are being ignored over burnout fears.England captain Kane faces another summer without a proper break as Fifa’s month-long Club World Cup starts five days after the Three Lions’ friendly with Senegal on June 10.Harry Kane has expressed concerns about player burnoutCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel is also concernedCredit: PAThe Bayern Munich striker, 31, is one of at least a dozen England stars who are due to play in the revamped £600million 32-team tournament in the US — with boss Thomas Tuchel also  concerned.Players’ unions, including the PFA, have filed a legal complaint against Fifa over the tournament amid  welfare worries.But Kane said: “There’s nothing we can really do about it. I don’t think the players are listened to that much, if I’m honest.“We’re getting used to it but it’s another summer where you do not have a break.  There are arguments from the clubs — to generate more money.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“But there’s also a player welfare point where there’s only so much you can do without more injuries. It is a really hard balance.”Kane, who had less than four weeks off after Euro 2024, previously urged Prem chiefs to bring back a winter break to combat the crazy calendar.While Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, 28, warned stars were close to going on STRIKE before his heartbreak ACL injury in September.He insisted: “Someone has to take care of us. We are the main characters of this sport.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRodri’s City team-mates Manuel Akanji and Bernardo Silva, Liverpool keeper Alisson and Aston Villa boss Unai Emery have also pleaded for a reduction in the number of games.City and Chelsea are England’s representatives in the Club World Cup, while Kane’s Bayern and Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid will also take part.Harry Kane scores from a distance in Bayern Munich training And Kane added: “If we get to the Champions League final on May 31, you’ll go straight into England then straight into the Club World Cup. So there won’t be any time.”England boss Tuchel also expressed his fears about the tournament, which runs from June 15 to July 13.Tuchel’s side face Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on June 7, then Senegal three days later.And the German boss admitted: “I am worried about the players being able to have a break.“I am not so concerned about the amount of games they play, I am more concerned they never have a real break of four weeks. That’s the problem.”PFA chief Maheta Molango wants players limited to a MAXIMUM of 60 games per season.And Tuchel added: “The Fifa June window is not ideal for anyone, especially the players. Maybe Fifa can put this window somewhere else for the benefit of players.”Rodri previously claimed that players could go on strikeCredit: Getty More

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      Liverpool set to rake in millions from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid transfer despite star being out of contract

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      REAL MADRID are ready to land Trent Alexander-Arnold in time for the Club World Cup.The Liverpool right-back, 26, has agreed a £240,000-a-week five-year deal to join on a free transfer this summer.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid this summerCredit: GettyReal Madrid could pay the Reds £5m to sign the full-back in time for the Club World CupCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold’s Anfield contract runs until June 30 — but the Club World Cup kicks off on June 15.Real are now willing to stump up a fee, understood to be around £5million, to sign him on June 1 so he can join England team-mate Jude Bellingham on the plane for the US-hosted tournament.They are willing to pay out now having had an approach over a transfer knocked back by Liverpool on New Year’s Eve.The Reds refused as they were determined their vice-captain stayed to help boss Arne Slot end his first season in charge with the Prem title.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDutchman Slot was also wary over releasing the player due to a shortage of defenders in his squad.But with Anfield owners the Fenway Sports Group now resigned to losing the England international, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, they could decide to grab some money from his departure.They would not only get a fee but also save a month’s wages on the Scouser, who is on £140,000-a-week at Anfield.Last September, Alexander-Arnold insisted that discussion on his future “would not be played out in public”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut it is now common knowledge that he is leaving the club he joined as a six-year-old.His last appearance is likely to be in the home clash with Crystal Palace on May 25 — the final day of the Prem season.Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training Liverpool are still sweating on the decisions by Mo Salah and skipper Virgil van Dijk, who both have their contracts ending on June 30.But FSG and boss Slot are understood to be confident Dutch centre-back Van Dijk and Egyptian striker Salah will sign new deals. More

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      Chelsea files: John Terry’s manager job that collapsed at last minute and party-loving keeper tipped to surpass Courtois

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      GOALKEEPERS have been a big talking point at Chelsea this season with boss Enzo Maresca unsure who is his definite number one.Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have been in and out like the Hokey Cokey.Incoming Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders enjoys a party and a sing-songCredit: RexThe teenager could surpass Thibaut Courtois in West LondonCredit: GettyAnd that’s something that won’t trouble incoming keeper Mike Penders, who just loves a singalong and a party.The teenager is due to join up with the Blues this summer following a £16.7million deal with his current side Genk in the Belgian top flight.Still only 19, colourful Penders loves a party and says it stems from his upbringing in the town of Uikhoven in a region famous for its carnivals.Penders said: “Singalongs are my thing.“It’s simple: if you come from our neighbourhood, you grow up with carnival. Then you learn those songs by heart. “You just have to come and experience it. The last time I went I wore Lederhosen.”England skipper Harry Kane also wears the famous leather trousers when he visits Oktoberfest each year as he plays for Bayern Munich.Penders has all the ingredients to become an even bigger star than Thibaut Courtois at Chelsea – even without his ability to sing a song at his first-team initiation.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeFor a start, the towering keeper is exactly two metres tall – one centimetre more than his famous Belgian predecessor.He is coming through the same famous stable at Genk like Courtois and if the next few weeks go well for him, he could also rock up at Stamford Bridge as a decorated star.Thomas Tuchel always made me feel wanted and England star was destined for greatness, reveals ex-Chelsea wonderkidGenk are top of the table and face the ten-game play-offs bidding for the championship.Penders has every chance to make the biggest move of his career with a league title to his name.He is already a famous name at home. His transfer fee to Chelsea is considered huge back home for a player so young.Some of that money was spread among the clubs of his previous career – right down to sixth-tier Bregel Sport. The 100,000 euros was enough to keep the struggling club afloat – but only temporarily as they went broke just last week.HELD ON BY GAFFER TAPEJOHN TERRY fears his ambition to become a manager is drifting away.Chelsea’s most successful player and captain still hopes his dream of being head coach at the club which is in his heart may still come off one day. But he is caught in a vicious circle.He came painfully close in September 2023 when he was offered a job by Saudi Pro-League side Al-Shabbab… only for the deal to collapse at the last minute.Terry, 44, said: “I got very close with that and things got moved at the last minute, which meant it didn’t go through.“I’ve done my badges. I’m ready. If the right opportunity comes up, and it has to be the right opportunity in terms of squad, location, I’m all ears.“I’m watching every game of football I can possibly watch. I’ve still got my eyes in it. There will come a point for me when I need to say ‘that’s it’.John Terry missed out on becoming a manager in the Saudi Pro LeagueCredit: GettyHe is currently having to make do with testing his management skills in the Baller LeagueCredit: PA“But you have to be obsessed with it and I’m still obsessed with it. I’m analysing games, I’m reviewing stuff, I’m doing online courses and all of that to be a better coach or a better manager that I can be.“So who knows if that opportunity comes along? I’ve got a lot to give. I know that I’ve managed dressing rooms and groups before.”Terry has found work as a coach at Aston Villa and Leicester and is back now working two days a week at his beloved Chelsea.The five-time Premier League winner said: “I led Chelsea for 22 years. So to get thrown at me that I’ve got no experience as a number one is a little bit baffling.“But again I’ll keep trying until that kind of day stops because I have a dream of managing Chelsea one day and that’s the ultimate for me. Would I love to be part of it? Of course I would. Chelsea’s my club.”John Terry was speaking on Chelsea and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Watch every game from the FIFA Club World Cup on DAZN for free.TOUT OF ORDERCHELSEA are going digital with ticket buying and going on the offensive against the touts.Illegal sales are a menace and no home game at Stamford Bridge is complete without a gaggle of shady characters loitering outside Fulham Broadway tube station offering seats at premium price.The club is trying to combat this and have highlighted their efforts in an email to fans detailing the work they have undertaken.This season alone it includes:Stopping more than 1,000 people coming into the ground with touted tickets.Cancelling more than 1,500 membership accounts linked to illegal activity.Arresting individuals following police operations on matchdays.The Blues are stamping down on tickets touts outside Stamford BridgeCredit: ReutersThis is all worthwhile stuff but in the meantime, Chelsea’s chairman Todd Boehly has attracted fierce criticism from fans over his stake in American ticket resale site Vivid Seats.The unauthorised website sells tickets for Premier League games at vastly inflated prices.Vividseats.com even appears on a blacklist of outlets issued by the Premier League who add: “We would urge fans to exercise extreme caution when dealing with these websites.”GLOBAL GAMECHELSEA became the first English club to field an entire team of foreign players against Southampton in the Premier League back in 1999.And the Blues will continue to break new ground across the world when they add Kazakhstan’s teenage wonderkid Dastan Satpaev, 16, to their ranks next summer.Satpaev’s arrival – when he turns 18 – will take the Prem’s number of nationalities to a staggering 127 since the league began in the 1992/93 season.Dastan Satpaev will be the Premier League’s first Kazakhstani footballerCredit: GettyEagle-eyed Chelsea fans will have spotted the Kairat Almaty striker, who has agreed a Stamford Bridge move in a £3.3m deal with a five-year contract, was in the UK last Saturday.Satpaev came off the bench for the final 16 minutes of Kazakhstan’s 3-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Wales in Cardiff.He showed flashes of promise in his brief cameo as a substitute but is already being hailed as the best talent the country has ever produced.No pressure, then.TOP MARCSIT’S A good time to be a Chelsea defender.Club captain Reece James scored a screamer for England on Monday night against Latvia to add to his recent belter at Copenhagen in the Conference League.And his club-mate Marc Cucurella is also in the goals this season with five – four in the Premier League and one in Europe.Part of his increased strike rate has been down to boss Enzo Maresca pushing the Spaniard into a midfield role at times – the new ‘inverted full-back’ fad that is gripping football.Cucurella has responded with two goals in seven games, which is a decent return for a left-back.Marc Cucurella has found his shooting boots this seasonCredit: GettyIt has transformed his standing in the eyes of Chelsea fans who were unsure of his worth to start with but now sing songs about his big mop of curly hair in tribute to his improvement.Cucurella says scoring more goals has been a big priority. He said: “One of the things that I felt that I could improve upon was my ability in the last third – more goals and more assists. I would say this season I have had the opportunity to score a few goals.“I’m very happy because I feel very good and I’ve been able to help the team.“I always try to give the best for my team and I always try to leave everything on the pitch for my team. I always try to win. “I think they are the best things I can have as a player. Now I’m even a goalscorer! Hopefully, I can score a lot more goals and I’m very happy.”LONELY WITHOUT LEONCHELSEA fans eagerly waiting to find out who will be the club’s first opponents in the Club World Cup should not hold their breath.Fifa sources say that it will take some time to find a replacement for Club Leon – the Mexican side booted out of the competition over dual ownership issues.The case is likely to go to appeal and even then if the decision is upheld, a new team will be sought from within the Concacaf football federation.Considering there are 41 member associations throughout the Americas, that will take some sifting. More

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      Chelsea handed major fixture change as Club World Cup opponents are kicked OUT of competition by Fifa

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      CHELSEA have been handed a major fixture change in the Club World Cup. some three months out from the competiton.The Blues were set to face Mexican side Leon in their opening match of the summer tournament, but will now take on a different side after Fifa have KICKED OUT the Liga MX side.Chelsea will face new opponents in the Club World CupCredit: GettyClub Leon have been kicked out of the competitionCredit: GettyLeon, who are currently second in Liga MX, have failed multi-club ownership rules relating to the competition – meaning they are now banned from competing.Leon are part of a multi-club ownership group – Grupo Pachuca – that also includes fellow Liga MX side CF Pachuca.Due to Pachuca’s involvement in the Club World Cup too, Fifa have decided that Leon must be ejected from the tournament.A Fifa statement read: “Following disciplinary proceedings opened against CF Pachuca and Club Leon, the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided to refer the case directly to the FIFA Appeal Committee in accordance with article 56 paragraph 3 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”After having evaluated all evidence on file, the chairman of the FIFA Appeal Committee has decided that CF Pachuca and Club León failed to meet the criteria on multi-club ownership defined under article 10 paragraph 1 of the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.”In line with article 10 paragraph 4 of the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025M, FIFA has determined that Club León will be removed from the competition, with the club to be admitted as a replacement to be announced in due course.”No replacement has been decided for Leon yet, but is expected soon.Leon have a released a statement of their own outlining their plans to appeal the decision in court if they are prevented from playing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt read: “Club Leon expresses its disagreement with the decision made by FIFA, which could exclude us from the next Club World Cup.”The decision on which team will not attend the tournament is the responsibility of the organization’s Secretary General, who will notify us in the coming days.’This is a joke’ – Danny Drinkwater reveals moment he was told he had ONE HOUR to leave Chelsea”In recent months, we have presented each piece of evidence and documents confirming that Club Leon operates autonomously in all financial, administrative, and sporting aspects.”Should Club Leon be prevented from participating in the 2025 Club World Cup with the same rights with which it earned a place on the pitch, we will pursue the matter to the fullest extent possible in the highest sporting courts.”CF Pachuca have also released a statement claiming they will be taking action.It added: “In our case, we will defend what was won on the field in a fair, professional manner, and in compliance with the rules of the competition.”The CONCACAF contingent for the Club World Cup now stands at three sides – Monterrey, Seattle Sounders FC and Pachuca.And a replacement for Leon would likely have to come from North America too.Grupo Puchuca owner Jesus Martinez said last year that he would be willing to sell his controlling stake in Leon if it allowed them to compete in the Club World Cup.Martinez said: “We told them [Fifa] that we informed at the last Liga MX owners’ meetings that Leon is the team we are going to sell control of.”We plan to give up the majority stake in the club before 2027. However, I think we’re going to maintain some kind of sports control.”What we want is to contribute to the growth of the Mexican league, and if they see that multi-property can have a negative impact, we’re willing to help in every way”.The other teams remaining in Chelsea’s group are Brazilian side Flamengo and Tunisian outfit ES Tunis.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe revamped tournament, which is taking place across North America, will begin in June.MORE TO FOLLOW…THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      World Cup final is the greatest show on earth – it doesn’t need half-time show or Janet Jackson Nipple-gate to prove it

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      FIFA have never been one to shy away from spectacle but their latest decision to introduce an American-style, star-studded half-time show for the 2026 World Cup final has sparked controversy.For football’s purists, this is a step too far — an unnecessary intrusion into the most sacred match in the sport.The 2026 World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style half-time showJanet Jackson was involved in a wardrobe malfunction during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime showColdplay have been asked to choose the artists for next year’s finalFor others, it’s a modern evolution, bringing football in line with the commercial juggernaut that is the Super Bowl.Readers of a certain vintage will recall the FA Cup final was always adorned by a half-time musical break, but it was more the band of the Coldstream Guards than Coldplay.Next year, at the final in New Jersey, the boys from Coldplay have been asked by Fifa president Gianni Infantino to cobble together some ‘artistes’ to entertain the fans during the half-time break, just like they do at the Super Bowl.Let’s hope there isn’t another Janet Jackson boob, or ‘wardrobe malfunction’ as it was called back in 2004, when Justin Timberlake ripped off Ms Jackson’s bodice, revealing rather more than the quarterback’s master-plan.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOn the basis Fifa won’t want a rerun of that infamous Nipple-gate, you can be damned sure Dolly Parton won’t be getting the gig.But the World Cup final has always been about the football, not the half-time show.It is the pinnacle of the sport, watched by billions worldwide, where history is written and legends are made.The idea that Fifa now wants to shoehorn a Hollywood-style entertainment break into what should be an intense, uninterrupted battle for glory feels unnecessary, if not entirely out of place.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Super Bowl’s famous half-time show regularly attracts more TV viewers than the game itself and previous performers have included pop royalty like Beyonce, Rihanna, Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga.Other than Janet Jackson, they’ve all managed to keep their clothes on.World Cup winner’s Wag dubbed ‘hottest woman in the world’ and ‘from another planet’ after stunning in series of bikinis Traditionally, half-time in football is a 15-minute tactical reset.Players regroup, managers deliver crucial team talks and fans either hold their breath or take a moment to recover from the first-half drama.  Or at least get a quick beer in.How will players feel about potentially waiting longer to restart the biggest game of their careers? Will the spectacle detract from the sporting drama?Do fans, emotionally invested in the match, want a pop concert when they are dissecting their team’s performance?After an eight-minute VAR delay at the Bournemouth vs Wolves FA Cup match last weekend, add a lengthy half-time show at the Vitality Stadium and supporters would have been in danger of missing the last bus home. And who is going to pay for it? A glance at ticket prices for the World Cup final show the cheap seats already start at £3,000 each, so it’s pretty clear who will be forking out for the fun — the supporters.Next year’s World Cup is hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico and Fifa’s decision to introduce a showbiz-style interval seems to be a clear nod to American sports culture.The Super Bowl half-time show is a global event in itself, with A-list performers, jaw-dropping production and millions tuning in just for the spectacle.But football isn’t American football. Kendrick Lamar’s recent Super Bowl performance has gone viral for weeksTennis icon Serena Williams danced at the Super Bowl last monthAnd while Fifa are clearly eyeing new commercial opportunities, the World Cup isn’t in need of a marketing boost.This move is part of a wider trend — football, increasingly, is being shaped by commercial interests.Expanded tournaments, mid-season World Cups, club competitions that stretch calendars to breaking point — decisions are being driven by revenue rather than the rhythm of the game.Fifa will argue this move will “enhance the fan experience” but it feels like an attempt to sell an already premium product to an even bigger audience.Football doesn’t need a headline act at half-time. The real stars are on the pitch, not on a stage.If Fifa get their way, will we see DJs at full-time? Fireworks before penalties? Commercial breaks for VAR decisions?The fear is that once this door is opened, football’s traditions will continue to erode in the name of spectacle.This all feels a far cry from the days when you huddled around your cup of Bovril while reading the club programme at half-time. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd over the tinny PA would be the crackly sounds of Shakin’ Stevens or Sade.The World Cup final is already the Greatest Show on Earth. It doesn’t need a half-time act to prove it.Gianni Infantino has informed sponsors of the major change More