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    Uefa boss sends thinly-veiled threat that stars will see their salaries SLASHED amid row over playing too many games

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    UEFA boss Aleksander Ceferin claims that reducing the number of matches played by top stars will cut the wages of the entire game.Ceferin remains sceptical about Fifa’s new 32-team Club World Cup, which will include Chelsea and Manchester City when it launches in the USA in June.Aleksander Ceferin has warned reducing the number of matches could cost playersCredit: PAMajor European leagues are backing the international players’ union Fifpro in their European Court case against Fifa, seeking to block the new competition and bring in a fixed maximum of matches played by stars each season.But while Ceferin hinted at his unhappiness over Fifa’s latest expansion project – despite being part of the world body’s ruling Council which backed the plan – he warned that the knock-on effects of a court victory for the union might end up hitting their own members in the pocket.Ceferin said: “When we say that footballers are modern gladiators, we are exaggerating a bit.“The better the footballer, the bigger the star, the more protected he is by the referees, who are also constantly in the fans’ teeth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It is true that the players play a lot and that the match calendar could not be more full.“But I would not agree that only those at the highest level are the most burdened.“The players from my country, Slovenia, play as often as, for example, those from Real Madrid. Except that they are paid 500 times less.“If we were to reduce the number of matches, we would end up with the result that the salaries of football players would also fall, because the clubs would have less income.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“It’s a vicious cycle. The compromise is that no new competitions are introduced.”Fifa are, of course, introducing one, with the draw for the clubs – which also include Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich, Jude Bellingham’s Real, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and major sides from Brazil and Argentina – scheduled for the start of next month.Rodri sensationally claims players are close to STRIKING over schedule after Alisson says ‘our opinion does not matter’Ceferin added: “The rhythm of matches for football players is already at the upper limit.“The problem is that the new Club World Cup will take five weeks after the end of the season every four years.“Meanwhile, we already have the World Cup, the European Championship.“I saw that the union of professional footballers with the European leagues has already filed a lawsuit against FIFA.“The problem is that European clubs want the competition, as it would increase revenue and make it easier to pay footballers.“So, as I said, it’s a vicious cycle. It will be necessary to sit down with the professional footballers’ union and find out what they want.“If we reduce the number of matches, wages will have to be reduced as well. There is no other way.” More

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      England could be forced to field World Cup qualifying ‘bomb squad’ as new Fifa rule threatens to rule out ELEVEN players

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      THOMAS TUCHEL could be plunged into a club versus country row after Fifa ordered Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to play their strongest teams in the new Club World Cup.New England boss Tuchel will discover next month if he will have to start the Three Lions World Cup campaign in June.New England boss Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyBut Fifa’s demand that the 32 competing teams field their strongest slides for the £600m new tournament which starts in the USA less than a week after the scheduled international dates may leave Tuchel in the middle of a major dilemma.Skipper Harry Kane will spearhead Munich’s glory push in the States, with Jude Bellingham central to Real Madrid’s chances and Conor Gallagher scheduled to appear for Atletico Madrid.Tuchel will also see Cole Palmer, Reece James and Levi Colwill required by Chelsea, with Kyle Walker, John Stones, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Rico Lewis in City’s ranks.Fifa’s desperate determination to make the inaugural episode of the tournament a major success has now seen world chiefs giving themselves the power to order clubs to release players to Club World Cup sides BEFORE their current contracts end.READ MORE IN football World chiefs have now released regulations that state clubs must field their “strongest teams throughout the tournament”.Fifa said that competing clubs must still release their players for the international window including World Cup qualifiers from June 2 to June 9.But the prospect of top clubs pulling rank and demanding their needs are put ahead of international commitments in the immediate lead-up to the tournament – due to start on June 15 – tees up a serious worry for German Tuchel.That Fifa window will leave little time for the players involved to get back into club groove before the new tournament.Most read in FootballSouthgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe possible problems come after the international players’ union Fifpro launched a legal challenge against Fifa in the European Court, with the aim of forcing Zurich chiefs to back down on their plan.But Fifa put the screws on the clubs by announcing that any team which pulls out now will be fined “at least” £220,000, while withdrawals after mid-May would see that fine doubled to nearly £450,000.Thomas Tuchel’s first England XI predicted by Jamie Carragher with ultra-attacking team and one-cap international The hardline expectations came as it emerged FIFA chiefs could order clubs to release players due to join Club World Cup sides early.Fifa announced last month that they were creating a special transfer loophole to apply at the tournament that will be played in the USA.Competing clubs will be able to complete some of next term’s transfers early to allow the players to take part in Fifa’s new flagship competition.Under the special regulations, clubs will be able to register new players between June 1 and June 10 – rather than being forced to stick to the usual June 30 cut-off for registration changes.Current contracts for City’s Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan will expire on June 30, while Jadon Sancho’s loan spell at Chelsea.Canada left-back Alphonso Davies is one of SEVEN senior players at Kane’s Bayern Munich who are out of contract at the end of the season.Initially it had been suggested that early registration would only be permitted if both clubs and the players involved approve, with nobody will be allowed to play for two teams during the month of action.READ MORE SUN STORIESFifa said the “objective” was to “encourage clubs and players whose contracts are expiring to find an appropriate solution to facilitate the players’ participation”.But it has now emerged that FIFA will decide on any disputes between Club World Cup teams who each want to take the same player to the tournament.Man City won the Club World Cup in 2023Credit: Getty More

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      Marinakis ref spat is so poor… the toilet behaviour of the Nottingham Forest chief is undoing all his hard work

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      HOPEFULLY Evangelos Marinakis will not be watching Nottingham Forest’s game at Leicester from home tonight.Or if so, pray he has a Kleenex handy in case that terrible hacking cough suddenly resurfaces and he gets an uncontrollable urge to gob all over the luxury shag-pile.Nottingham Forest Owner Evangelos Marinakis is in hot water for spittingCredit: GettyMore importantly, Forest needs its owner to be in good health.The cigar-chomping billionaire has done wonders for the club in his seven years as majority shareholder.He has turned things around at almost every level, establishing them as a Prem club, integrating the women’s team into the fabric of the business, looking to invest in the Trent Rockets.For a Greek to take a serious interest in cricket is remarkable in itself.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLYet all that admirable effort reviving a football team with a proud history – especially under legend Brian Clough – is being undone by the toilet behaviour of the man at the top.Whether or not 57-year-old Mr Marinakis deliberately spat in the direction of the officials at the City Ground is beside the point.The barely credible excuse that he suffers with a smoker’s cough, forcing him to launch a globule of tobacco-infused phlegm on the floor of the tunnel as he passed by Josh Smith, Tim Robinson and  James Mainwaring, is irrelevant. Marinakis and Forest need to learn to swallow sometimes. Spitting is unpalatable even when players do it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut in the middle of a match they at least have mitigating circumstances, the players are after all running alive with lactic acid.For a member of the public to do it under little, or no, duress is deplorable.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiEven more so when it occurs coincidentally after your team has been on the wrong end of a decision or two in a game.Forest had just lost to Fulham last month when Marinakis let fly from the back of his throat as he passed by the men in black after the final whistle.They had seen two penalty appeals turned down, while Fulham won it with a debatable spot-kick of their own.Annoying yes, but no cause is good enough to warrant that kind of reaction.Do it in the street when a copper walks past and see what happens.Forest have enjoyed a stunning rise since the Greek took over in 2017Credit: AFPJamie Carragher is lucky to still have a career in television after letting fly with a large amount of spittle at a mickey-taking bloke sitting in the car next to his in a traffic jam.Mates of mine who support Forest have embraced the commitment and love the passion of Marinakis.It’s never a dull moment with him in charge, they say. But even they are disappointed in this latest episode.Ironically, the larger-than-life character lost his rag when Forest were thumped 5-0 at Fulham last season and he stomped out of Craven Cottage in a huff.I’ve never known Fulham to wind anyone up.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.Marinakis’ VIP pass was discovered soon after in the privet bush of a nearby house. There wasn’t enough evidence for Hammersmith & Fulham Council to prosecute for littering.But the serial complaining at every injustice is already overshadowing the reconstruction of Nottingham Forest into a formidable football team.If it’s not the owner, then it’s the manager Nuno Espirito Santo, or the coaches giving it to the referees in brutal and undignified terms.All the while unravelling all the positive PR that the club deserves for the cracking job of remodelling Forest as a team capable of pushing for a return to Europe.Marinakis’s behaviour is threatening to undo all his good workCredit: AlamyAnd it’s naive to believe the officials don’t remember. As human beings, the subconscious memory bank will kick into action next time Forest needs the benefit of the doubt.Gobbing off about things you don’t agree with, or simply gobbing in front of other people might make you feel better there and then.But it’s a distasteful business that can leave a nasty stain on a club’s otherwise good character.Incidentally, the City Ground, like all others, is a no-smoking stadium.So isn’t it the perfect place for Marinakis to start kicking the habit anyway?TV gold CapersLegendary man mountain Geoff Capes passed away this weekCredit: GettyFAREWELL Geoff Capes, shot put legend and symbol of childhood in the 70s and 80s.Christmas back then wasn’t complete without the one-time policeman filling the no-man’s land of TV time between festive movies by holding ten car batteries at arm’s length for half an hour.Or perhaps pulling a juggernaut along by rope as he bossed it in the Useless Sport Olympics, otherwise known as World’s or Europe’s Strongest Man.I once got fairly close to England’s 6ft 5in man-mountain  at  the  Crieff  Highland Games when I was 11 and on holiday in Scotland.He was tossing the caber in full kilt regalia and looked every inch the gladiator of his time.Mum even urged me to get his autograph, which he was only too happy to sign on a scrap of paper.But I have always suspected it was more for her than for me.Fifa right this timeLionel Messi continues to rack up the silverware with Inter MiamiCredit: ReutersFIFA have been accused of showing preferential treatment to David  Beckham’s Inter Miami when it comes to next summer’s Club World Cup.There is outrage in the US that the MLS leaders have been given a golden ticket to join the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich at the expanded tournament on American soil.Critics say Miami have only been invited because Lionel Messi is in their squad – you know, arguably the greatest player ever.Columbus Crew, currently second in MLS, have such luminaries as ‘Cucho’ Hernandez – who scored five goals in five years at Watford – and Christian Ramirez, formerly of Aberdeen, on their ‘roster’.Who would you rather pay to see? Not everything Fifa does is completely insane.MOHAMMED KUDUS has already had one ruck with West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui after being subbed at half-time against Brentford.Now he faces a three-game ban for violent conduct, plus further punishment for his actions after the red card incident in the 4-1 debacle at Spurs on Saturday.I can’t help but suspect there is a very talented but highly frustrated young man there who feels he isn’t getting what he deserves in a team that is massively underperforming.West Ham always looked like a stepping stone to bigger things for the ambitious 24-year-old Ghana midfielder.Fans could be heading for another Dimitri Payet or Marko Arnautovic situation unless Lopetegui turns things around soon.Oleksandr Zinchenko gave half his wardrobe away to Shakhtar fansCredit: GettyFANS are revolting at the increasing price of season tickets and it’s all admirable to see…West Ham supporters can release as many black balloons as they like – and hard-pressed punters can wave placards and banners until the cows come home. But I have said it before that only when they make a real stand by getting up out of their overpriced seats and walking out of a game halfway through, or by refusing to renew at the end of the season, will Premier League clubs listen.Liverpool fans did it brilliantly with their 77th-minute walkout some years back when the owners threatened to raise prices to £77 – it stopped the plan dead in its tracks.AFTER his Arsenal side had beaten Shakhtar Donetsk, Oleksandr  Zinchenko made a point of saluting the away fans.The proud Ukrainian practically stripped naked handing over his kit as souvenirs while he and his countrymen recognised the hell that is their war with Russia.READ MORE SUN STORIESNot one Arsenal fan begrudged Zinchenko that touching moment after Tuesday’s Champions League clash.Now tell me sport and politics can’t mix. More

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      David Beckham’s Inter Miami at centre of MLS scandal with rivals furious at spot in controversial tournament

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      INTER MIAMI’S addition to the Club World Cup has left Major League Soccer rivals furious with Fifa.Gianni Infantino, the Fifa president, announced this week that David Beckham’s MLS franchise will take the America host nation spot for next summer’s controversial tournament.Inter Miami’s Club World Cup qualification has seen Fifa criticisedCredit: APFifa chef Gianni Infantino gave a speech as Inter Miami lifted the Supporters ShieldCredit: ReutersInfantino pointed to Inter Miami winning the Supporters Shield, awarded to the club who perform the best over the regular season, as the reason for their qualification.The actual MLS champion is decided through the play-offs.But with the reason for Miami’s inclusion not given before they lifted the trophy, their rivals have accused Fifa of having no clear qualification criteria.And they claim they have jumped the gun simply to ensure that Lionel Messi is involved in the revamped 32-team tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSeattle Sounders are the other team from the US involved and they booked their spot having won the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2022.Fifa had been in discussions with MLS over criteria this season, before deciding on the Supporters Shield winner at their Council meeting on October 3 – the day after Miami sealed the title.MLS insist all decision-making around the final slot was dealt with by the world governing body.Not only have Beckham’s boys been given the host nation spot, but they will also play in the curtain raiser in Miami on June 15.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOther clubs have always felt that Miami have had special treatment from the league due to their high profile stars – something which has always been denied.Four ex-Barcelona legends are in the squad – Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.Inside David and Victoria Beckham’s stunning new £60m Miami mansion with spa, pool, rooftop bar overlooking Biscayne BayTheir success on the pitch this season, setting a points record for the regular season, gives officials a simple answer when questions are asked.Elite European sides like Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, PSG, Inter Milan, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are all in the Club World Cup. More

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      Messi could face Europe’s elite again as his 11-minute hat-trick fires Beckham’s Inter Miami into Fifa Club World Cup

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      LIONEL MESSI scored a stunning 11-minute hat-trick to book Inter Miami’s spot in the Fifa Club World Cup.The expanded 32-team tournament will take place from June 15 to July 3 in the United States.Inter Miami won the MLS Supporter ShieldCredit: APThey have accumulated the most points in a single season in MLS historyCredit: AFPDavid Beckham’s side have qualified for the Club World CupCredit: ReutersFifa president Gianni Infantino confirmed their spot in the revamped competitionCredit: ReutersElite European sides like Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, PSG, Inter Milan, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are all in the competition.And now Inter Miami have secured their spot in the competition by winning the MLS Supporters Shield.The trophy is given to the team who finish the regular season with the most points in either conference, with the subsequent play-offs deciding the league’s actual champion.Inter Miami secured the Supporters Shield by thrashing New England 6-2.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMessi scored three goals in 11 second-half minutes to take his tally to 22 goals in 22 games.But ex-Premier League and DC United star Christian Benteke is a goal ahead of him at the top of the scoring charts.Inter Miami have finished the season with the highest ever points tally with 74.Messi celebrated the successful season by lifting the trophy on the pitch and was joined by club owner David Beckham, his wife Victoria and daughter Harper, 13.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, his son Cruz, 19, and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29, watched on from the stands.But Fifa chief Gianni Infantino was on the field and announced their spot in the Club World Cup, saying: “You have shown that in the United States, you are consistently the best club on the field of play.David Beckham imposes strict fashion rule on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami team-mates leaving Rio Ferdinand stunned”Therefore, I am proud to announce that as one of the best clubs in the world, you are deserved participants in the new Club World Cup 2025.”Beckham then took the microphone and delivered a rousing speech, saying: “Firstly, thank you to our coach Gerardo Martino and your staff.”To our incredible team, our players, our captain has led us during times where it has been difficult.”Tonight, we celebrate. But tomorrow we prepare for the play-offs.”This was always about creating history for Miami, this was always about our family, the people in this stadium, the people in this city. “Tonight is about you guys because you supported us in the tough times and now the good times.”Let’s make this a great year and an even better year than it already is because it is already a special club.”Cruz Beckham was seen with his girlfriend Jackie Apostel celebrating the victoryCredit: APThey have been dating for five monthsCredit: APMessi netted a hat-trick against New EnglandCredit: ReutersInter Miami now go into the play-offs as the favouritesCredit: Reuters More

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      Man City ask for Premier League season to be DELAYED as Pep Guardiola escalates fixture pile-up row

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      MANCHESTER CITY are on collision course with the Premier League again — after the champs’ plea for a DELAYED start to next season was rejected.City wanted their first two games of the 2025-26 season postponed to help them recover from playing in Fifa’s expanded four-week summer Club World Cup in America.Pep Guardiola weighed on Manchester City’s fixture pile-up row with the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyPlayers’ unions are worried about the Club World Cup causing burnoutCredit: ReutersBut City boss Pep Guardiola declared: “In the end, the Premier League has not allowed us to postpone the first two games for our recovery. Thank you so much!”The final of the revamped 32-team tournament, which also features Chelsea, takes place on July 13 — less than a month before the start of the next Prem season.Asked if he felt stars would be exhausted after the tournament, Guardiola added: “It’s going to happen for sure. It depends if we’re in the last stages of the FA Cup.“I don’t know if we will play more games than our Treble year before the States.”Read More on FootballRelations between City and Prem chiefs are already strained after the club were charged with 115 breaches of the League’s financial rules. City deny all the charges.Guardiola added: “For the first and second games, the club asked the Premier League to postpone them one, two or three weeks.“That would be one or two more weeks of holiday after the Club World Cup. But it’s absolutely not allowed.“The Premier League say ‘yes’ to us? Absolutely not.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Prem have yet to comment but sources indicated there were only initial, informal discussions — and no formal request from City.Prem boss Richard Masters is aware of the challenges domestic leagues will face as a result of Fifa’s expanded calendar.Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Phil Foden situation after fans’ conspiracy theory over England star’s absence Players’ unions, worried about burnout, have taken legal action against Fifa over the Club World Cup.And City’s crocked ace Rodri warned players were ready to strike to protect their welfare.Fifa chief Gianni Infantino insists the tournament will go ahead as planned.Guardiola’s City contract is up next summer, so he may not be around to see it — but he believes it will only become clear then how tired players are.He said: “They won’t postpone these games, so that will be the moment of, ‘Oh, what do we do?’“I don’t have an answer right now. We will see how the players are, the schedule, then we are going to decide.” More

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      Fifa introduce unprecedented THIRD transfer window with major change set to come in next year

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      FIFA have announced a special transfer loophole will be created for next summer’s new Club World Cup.Chelsea and Manchester City will be England’s representatives in the 32-team tournament to be played in the USA.Fifa have announced a new transfer window will be introduced next summerCredit: AFPThe changes will affect clubs competing in the expanded Club World CupCredit: GettyAnd both Prem clubs – and their rivals – will be able to complete some of next season’s transfers early to allow the players to take part in Fifa’s new flagship competition.Under current transfer regulations, the majority of contracts, alongside player registration periods, run until June 30.The new competition will be played from June 15 to July 13 – meaning that players and managers  could theoretically be out of contract half-way through.Current contracts for City’s Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan will expire on June 30, as will Pep Guardiola’s, although the manager has indicated he is keen to sign a new deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJadon Sancho’s loan spell at Chelsea is also due to finish on the same date, while Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich have SEVEN senior players out of contract at the end of the season.But at Thursday’s meeting of Fifa’s ruling Council, global chiefs agreed “unanimously” to bring in rules that will only apply to the 32 teams taking part.As long as their national associations, including the FA, agree, competing clubs will be allowed an 10-day “exceptional registration window” from June 1, allowing players joining them to play in the planned £600m prize fund tournament.There will also be a second temporary window lasting six days from June 27 for participating clubs to replace or re-register players who start the tournament on their books but whose contract then lapse mid-competition.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe changes mean Bayern could end up facing Real Madrid target, Canada’s Alphonse Davies, former Etihad winger Leroy Sane, versatile defender and midfielder Joshua Kimmich or keeper Manuel Neuer in the US less than three weeks after they feature for the Bavarians in the Champions League Final in the Allianz Arena.Early registration will only be permitted if both clubs and the players involved approve and nobody will be allowed to play for two teams during the month of action.Premier League joins move to boycott Fifa Club World CupKevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan’s contracts currently expire during the tournamentCredit: AlamyFifa said the “objective” was to “encourage clubs and players whose contracts are expiring to find an appropriate solution to facilitate the players’ participation”.In an additional move, Fifa chiefs agreed that any players called up for the Concacaf Gold Cup taking place on the west coast of the USA at the same time will have the choice of whether to represent their club or nation.That mainly applies to Mexican players, with three clubs – Monterrey, Club Leon and Pachuca – having qualified for the Fifa tournament but would also see left-back Davies having to choose between club or country.Fifa President Gianni Infantino said: “The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will kick off a new era for club football across the world, with the top teams competing to be crowned the official FIFA club world champions.“These regulations will ensure that the best possible conditions are in place in order for all 32 participating clubs and the best players in the world to shine at the highest level.”Bayern Munich have seven players out of contract at the end of June 2025Credit: AFP More

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      Fifa confirm 12 stadiums for new-look Club World Cup including TWO £1.2BILLION NFL grounds and 88,500-seat Olympic venue

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      FIFA have confirmed the 12 stadiums that will host games for the new-look Club World Cup set to begin this season.The tournament, scheduled to begin on June 15, will take place in the USA and has already sparked controversy over its format.Fifa have confirmed the 12 stadiums that will be used for the Club World CupCredit: GettyThe Atlanta’s Falcon’s £1.2bn home – Mercedes-Benz Stadium – will be one arena used for the tournamentCredit: ReutersDC United’s Audi Field will host matches despite holding just 20,000 fansCredit: ReutersThe US, who will also be hosting the World Cup proper in 2026 alongside Mexico and Canada, will offer up 12 incredible stadiums for the tournament. Some 32 teams will compete in 63 matches across the 12 arenas to earn the title of Club World Cup champions.The chosen grounds range from capacities of 20,000 to a whopping 88,500.The matches will stretch from coast to coast with games played in iconic US cities like Los Angeles, Nashville and Washington D.C.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe smallest stadium set to be used is Audi Field in Washington D.C. Home of MLS side DC United, the 20,000 seater stadium is one of few purpose built football grounds in the lineup.Just three other MLS-only grounds are being used for the tournament, TQL Stadium in Cincinnati; Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee; Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.While six NFL stadiums will be commandeered by the footballing world this summer – including TWO £1.2BILLION super stadiums.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEvery Club World Cup stadiumHere’s a look at every stadium being used for the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup in the USA…Mercedes-Benz StadiumLocation: Atlanta, GACapacity: 75,000Bank of America StadiumLocation: Charlotte, NCCapacity: 75,000TQL StadiumLocation: Cincinnati, OHCapacity: 26,000Rose Bowl StadiumLocation: Los Angeles, CACapacity: 88,500Hard Rock StadiumLocation: Miami, FLCapacity: 65,000GEODIS ParkLocation: Nashville, TNCapacity: 30,000MetLife StadiumLocation: New York New JerseyCapacity: 82,500Camping World StadiumLocation: Orlando, FLCapacity: 65,000Inter&Co StadiumLocation: Orlando, FLCapacity: 25,000Lincoln Financial FieldLocation: Philadelphia, PACapacity: 69,000Lumen FieldLocation: Seattle, WACapacity: 69,000Audi FieldLocation: Washington, D.C.Capacity: 20,000Both the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons, and the MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Jets and New York Giants, will host matches for the controversial tournament. The largest stadium announced as a host ground is the iconic Rose Bowl in California.Premier League joins move to boycott Fifa Club World CupThe former Olympic stadium will boast a capacity of 88,500 for the upcoming tournament and has held a record 106,869 fans in the past.The incredible colosseum-like arena is recognised as a National Historic Landmark in the US and is best known for its use as a venue for college level American football in the States. Fifa announced the 12-strong list on Saturday in New York City as they continue to hype up their new-look tournament.Despite a new model that will see 32 teams from six continental confederations face off against each other, there has been huge backlash against the fast-approaching tournament.Players have expressed their concerns over hectic calendars leaving them with no time for recovery this summer.While Fifpro, the players’ international federation, claimed that the scheduling “will undercut the rest and recovery time of these players at the end of the 2024-25 season”.Adding that they believe that Fifa’s new plan “demonstrates a lack of consideration for the mental and physical health of participating players, as well as a disregard for their personal and family lives.”The Premier League has also threatened a boycott of the competition with PFA boss Maheta Molango telling SunSport: “Football is killing its own product.”Those who run the game need to listen. If they don’t, then as unions we have a responsibility to the players to take action — and the legal route is the next step.”At the moment Chelsea and Manchester City are the only two Premier League clubs set to participate in the competition next year.Despite the tournament being just around the corner, Fifa are yet to announce any broadcast agreements for the Club World Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESFootball’s governing body claim that this summer’s tournament will “crown the ultimate global champion”.While some clubs have been disappointed to be left out of contention with the tournament understood to be offering up some £600m in prize money.Teams competing in the Club World CupHere’s a look at which teams will play in next summer’s Club World Cup…Europe: Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Juventus, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Porto, Real Madrid, Red Bull SalzburgSouth America: Boca Juniors, Flamengo, Fluminense, Palameiras, River PlateNorth and Central America and Caribbean: León, Monterrey, Pachuca, Seattle SoundersAfrica: Al Ahly, Espérance, Mamelodi Sundowns, WaydadAsia: Al-Hilal, Al Ain, Ulsan, UrawaOceania: Auckland CityThe iconic Rose Bowl will host a number of gamesCredit: GettyLincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles, will also host matchesCredit: ReutersThe Hard Rock Stadium in Miami is one of the host groundsCredit: GettyOrlando City’s Inter & Co Stadium is one of few custom-built MLS stadiums to be used for the tournamentCredit: ReutersMetLife Stadium is another £1.2bn arena that will host matchesCredit: Getty More

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      Kevin De Bruyne could leave Man City midway through tournament with Real Madrid also facing contract chaos

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      KEVIN DE BRYUNE is one of a number of top stars who could leave their clubs next summer in the MIDDLE of the new Club World Cup.The newly expanded tournament will feature 32 teams – the Premier League’s representatives are Manchester City and Chelsea – playing in the United States across June and July.Kevin De Bruyne is among the stars whose contracts are expiring in the middle of the Club World Cup next summerCredit: GettyReal Madrid’s Luka Modric is another star with this problemCredit: AlamyHowever, Fifa has yet to secure a TV deal for the tournament and confirm venues the games will be played at before the July 13 final.It has been heavily criticised for adding more fixtures to an already packed calendar.And these are not the only headaches looming over the tournament.According to The Telegraph, players competing in the tournament have begun seeing clarity over their contract situations.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis is because the dates of the competition overlap June 30, which is the year-end for registrations globally recognised by Fifa.Several top stars will see their contract expire on the date next summer, meaning in theory that players could start playing the tournament for one team and end it with another.Belgium international De Bruyne is one of these.The report states many more players from the 12 Uefa clubs in the tournament have also asked for clarity over whether they would be allowed to compete due to their contracts being up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne source said: “If this had been held last summer, Kylian Mbappe would have started the Club World Cup playing for PSG and ended it at Real Madrid.”Real Madrid have three major stars who come under this bracket, with Luka Modric, Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vasquez all out of contract next summer. Man City vs Arsenal WagsMeanwhile, Bayern Munich have six players affected by the issue, with Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Eric Dier, Sven Ulreich and Alphonso Davies all out of contract next summer. Davies is a long-term transfer target of Madrid, so may have his future acutely impacted.Football’s governing body have created a never-before-seen dilemma with competitive club football not usually played at that time of year, which is when contract decisions are made en masse.Numerous legal issues surrounding said contracts may also unfold, with factors such as agent fees, salary and insurance all surrounding free agents. Fifa are expected to announce the venues for the tournament in the coming weeks, with much of it set to be played in the eastern USA.The expected venues are the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey; Washington DC’s FedEx Field; Philadelphia’s Subaru Park; Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium; Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium; Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium and Seattle’s Lumen Field.READ MORE SUN STORIESFifa president Gianni Infantino also faces problems such as audience interest in the States and a potential player revolution before it comes about.Man City star Rodri has hinted it may be a possibility for players to ensure they are heard, after persistent complaints that they are not listened to over concerns of match load.Alphonso Davies could switch from Bayern Munich to Real Madrid in the middle of the tournamentCredit: Getty More