Club World Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Bayern Munich Wags including Harry Kane’s wife Katie Goodland’s Club World Cup plans ‘spark anger behind scenes at club’

      by

      BAYERN MUNICH have frustrated members of staff with their plans to send the players’ Wags to the Club World Cup, according to reports.The German giants are set to head to the US for the controversially revamped tournament next month.Harry Kane and wife Katie Goodland pose with the Bundesliga plateCredit: PAHarry Kane will head to the States hoping to add further silverware to his collection, having broken his duck by winning the Bundesliga title.According to Bild, the trip has caused friction behind the scenes at the German champions.Bayern’s Club World Cup campaign will come amid a series of cost-cutting measures.Several staff members have reportedly been informed that they won’t join the team at the tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite sporting director Max Eberl’s efforts to reduce costs, players families’ will be sent to the US at the expense of the club.This means that Kane’s wife Katie Goodland can be sent to the States at Bayern’s expense, despite her husband being one of the club’s top earners.Bild’s Bayern expert Christian Falk revealed: “The players’ families have been invited.”On the German outlet’s podcast, Falk went on to add: “You have to say, a few employees were annoyed.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLeroy Sane is dating Candice BrookCredit: instagram @leroysaneLina Kimmich will be able to join husband Joshua in the StatesCredit: Getty”They’re cutting costs everywhere, so only a small group of employees is allowed to go over, but the families are.”The staff members thought to be affected include lower level roles like middle management and matchday stewards.Thomas Muller has Bayern Munich fans howling with risque funeral joke in retirement speech on pitchBayern boss Vincent Kompany is looking forward to the competition, which could net the winners a £100million prize kitty.The Belgian said: “I think the closer we get to the tournament, the more you can see the excitement growing. “It’s been quite a special season anyway so far. You have the new format of the Champions League, and you have the next competition with the Club World Cup.”You know, I think we’re part of a club here with Bayern Munich where every trophy is important, so by the time we get to America, it will be a priority.”Bayern will begin their Club World Cup campaign by facing New Zealand side Auckland City in Cincinnati on June 15, before a trip to Miami to take on iconic Argentine outfit Boca Juniors five days later.Bayern face Benfica on matchday three in Charlotte on June 24.Ahead of the tournament, Kane said: “It’s going to be unique, playing this type of major tournament with your club is different to what’s been done in the past but I think it’s going to be a great experience.”Going out to the US, as well, a year before the World Cup itself will be a great chance to get to know some of the stadiums and get to know the fans out there.Read More on The Sun”It’s going to be a really great tournament.”As always, when it’s the first of any type of tournament, people are wondering how it’s going to go but I’m really excited for it.”Katie Goodland has supported Kane at plenty of tournamentsCredit: PALisa Muller has been married to Bayern star Thomas for 16 yearsCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘unhappy’ after ‘discussions’ for him to play in Club World Cup are leaked by Infantino to IShowSpeed

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO is reportedly unhappy after it was revealed to YouTuber IShowSpeed that he could play in the Club World Cup.Fifa president Gianni Infantino confirmed discussions are underway to involve Ronaldo in the new-look tournament.Cristiano Ronaldo could play at the Club World CupCredit: GettyGianni Infantino made the revelation to IShowSpeedRonaldo, 40, is out of contract at Al-Nassr at the end of the season but has been in negotiations to extend his stay.It has also been claimed there are no plans for Ronaldo to leave on loan.So Ronaldo’s representatives have expressed their disappointment over Infantino’s comments to IShowSpeed, according to The Athletic.Infantino told the influencer: “Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup…who knows, who knows.”Al-Nassr did not qualify for the revamped Club World Cup, with Al-Hilal Saudi Arabia’s only representative.They will compete against Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich alongside England’s two representatives – Manchester City and Chelsea.David Beckham’s Inter Miami have also qualified and Infantino hinted at who they could play.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWhen asked if Inter Miami are going to play against Real Madrid, maybe, Infantino replied: “Maybe, it could be.”The tournament kicks off on June 14 and ends on July 13, with the winner receiving up to £68million in prize money. Cristiano Ronaldo appears to argue with himself as he fights back tears after Al-Nassr cup KO More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘receives blockbuster transfer offer to leave Al-Nassr and play in Club World Cup’

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO has reportedly received a mega offer from an unnamed Brazilian club ahead of the Club World Cup.The Manchester United legend’s record-breaking £164million-a-year contract at Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr expires this summer.Ronaldo’s Al Nassr contract ends this summerRonaldo, 40, is in third season in the Saudi Pro League but has missed out on the league title so far.It was Al-Ittihad – with the likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Fabinho – who were crowned champions after their 3-1 win last week.And Ronaldo’s extension talks have been delayed after Al Nassr failed to qualify for the Asian Champions League next season.But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been offered a way out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to Spanish outlet Marca, Ronaldo has been approached by a Brazilian club playing in this summer’s Club World Cup.While the club in question has not been named, Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo are the four Brazilian teams competing in the tournament that begins next month.If it were to be Palmeiras, it would set up a reunion against career rival Lionel Messi.Palmeiras are in a Club World Cup group with Messi’s Inter Miami, Porto and Egyptian club Al Ahly.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt’s a competition Ronaldo is extremely familiar with, having lifted the trophy a whopping four times in his legendary career.He won it for the first time with Man Utd in 2008 when the Premier League giants defeated LDU Quito 1-0 in the final, with Wayne Rooney scoring the winning goal.Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 14, given dad’s number and copies iconic pose as he makes Portugal debut with grandma watchingThe striker captured it a further three times with Real Madrid, scoring a hat-trick in the 2016 final against Kashima Antlers in a 4-2 win.The 2025 Club World Cup begins in the United States on June 15 and will run for just less than a month until July 13.Chelsea and Manchester City are the Prem teams taking part, while Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are featuring too.The winner will take home a whopping amount of prize money that is nearly $100m (£75m). More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City drop Jack Grealish transfer hint as they launch stunning new kit for Club World Cup

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY have unveiled their kit for the 2025/26 season and dropped a hint over Jack Grealish’s future.Pep Guardiola’s side will wear the new home shirt at this summer’s Club World Cup in the US.Man City have unveiled their new kitCredit: Man CityThe shirt will be worn at the Club World CupCredit: Man CityPuma have designed the jerseyCredit: Man CityThe sash is a nod to past City away shirtsCredit: Man CityPuma have gone for a white sash across the club’s iconic sky blue jersey.The diagonal stripe is a nod to City kits from the 70s as it has been seen on old away strips.Grealish is one of the stars modelling the new look alongside the likes of Phil Foden, Erling Halaand and Mateo Kovacic.And fans reckon having him as the poster boy suggests he is staying at City beyond the summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes amid rumours of Grealish’s departure after a tough season in which he has scored just three goals and started only seven Premier League games.Tottenham, Aston Villa and Napoli are all interested in signing him.Grealish was not, however, seen in the promotional video to launch the new kit.The clip stars actor John Thompson hosting a talent show as stars like Foden, Haaland, Manuel Akanji, Oscar Bobb and Ederson take to the stage to perform.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFormer players Micah Richards, Joleon Lescott and Mike Summerbee also have cameo roles.The video was filmed at the Clayton Official Supporters Club just around the corner from the Etihad Stadium.Jack Grealish to Napoli?! Conte Plots Shock £100M Raid – Would City Really Let Him Go?Puma say the sash home shirt “creates a connection to the past with a futuristic design, bridging the gap between different generations of City fans”.The German sportswear brand’s chief Marco Mueller said: “We’re so excited to be featuring the iconic sash, made famous from away days of old, on the home kit for the first time.”Both in this kit and all our kits for this upcoming season, fans across the world will be reminded that with our partnership we do things differently and want to push the boundaries in terms of design, creativity and innovation”.The kit is available in the City shop for £85 and the authentic jersey costs £130.Puma say the kit ‘bridges the gap between different generations of fans’Credit: Man CityThe authentic shirt costs £130Credit: Man City More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Antonio Rudiger undergoes surgery and set for long lay-off – as Real Madrid ace faces 12-GAME ban for hurling ice at ref

      by

      REAL MADRID star Antonio Rudiger may miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his knee.Rudiger, 32, has been a mainstay for Real since his move to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2022 from Chelsea.Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger could be out for two months after knee surgeryCredit: Instagram / toniruedigerRudiger could miss the rest of the season for RealRudiger is facing a lengthy ban for his antics in the Copa del Rey finalThe German threw an ice pack at the refereeHowever, the centre-back had been dealing with “severe” knee pain the last seven months and underwent surgery.Real stated earlier today: “Rudiger has been successfully operated on today for a partial rupture in the external meniscus of his left leg.”The operation went well but the reigning Spanish and European champions may be without the Germany international for the rest of LaLiga’s schedule.According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Rudiger will be sidelined for “almost two months”.Read More on FootballThe ex-Chelsea star, though, was in high spirits after surgery as he posted a picture of himself on social media from his hospital bed with a big smile while giving the camera the thumbs up.The defender also suggested he will be back for the summer’s Club World Cup.Rudiger posted on Instagram: “After I have played more than seven month [sic] with severe pain, it was unfortunately unavoidable that I had to undergo a meniscus surgery. “Now I’m finally pain-free again, and the surgery was a success. Thanks to the medical team and especially @guidospiran. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I want to be able to play again as soon as possible as two big tournaments with the Nations League and the Club World Cup are in front of me, but I have to look from week to week now and we will see. “I will do everything I can to make it happen. See you soon and take care of yourselves.”Antonio Rudiger instantly wins over Arsenal fans as former Chelsea defender pays Gunners stars huge complimentNevertheless, Rudiger still faces a lengthy lay-off regardless of how well his rehabilitation goes.That is because of his antics during Saturday’s Copa del Rey final that saw Real losing 3-2 to rivals Barcelona.A raging Rudiger launched an ice pack at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea with just 20 seconds of extra-time remaining after Kylian Mbappe was judged to have fouled Eric Garcia in Madrid’s last attack.When the official came over to the bench to dish out red cards the German had to be held back from confronting him by Ferland Mendy and a member of staff.Rudiger’s public apologyThe ex-Roma star and Lucas Vazquez, both of whom were substituted earlier in the match, were sent off after the latter angrily sprinted on to the pitch.Some reports suggested Rudiger told the ref, “You’re a miscarriage’ and called him a “son of a wh***”.The centre-half issued a public apology after those shocking scenes, which also saw Jude Bellingham getting sent off after the final whistle for “approaching the referee aggressively” and needing “to be restrained by team-mates”.Nevertheless, the former Stuttgart star still faces a mammoth 12-match ban for his behaviour in the Spanish Cup final, which was criticised by Germany sporting director Rudi Voller.Rudiger posted on Sunday: “There’s definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I’m very sorry for that.Read More on The Sun”We played a very good game from the 2nd half on – After 111 minutes I was not able to help my team anymore and before the final whistle I did a mistake.”Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I have disappointed last night.” More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea and Man City boost as Club World Cup to be shown on free-to-air TV in the UK after landmark deal

      by

      CHANNEL Five will screen more than 20 games at this summer’s expanded Club World Cup after teaming up with the terrestrial partner of streamer DAZN.DAZN were announced as the global broadcaster of the tournament, with their £770m TV deal providing Fifa’s record cash pot.Chelsea chief Enzo Maresca and Man City rival Pep Guardiola will again be in the USA, for the Club World Cup, from June 15 to July 13Credit: GettyThis trophy will be a stake when some of the planet’s best teams meetCredit: GettyIt was anticipated that DAZN would find a broadcast partner in all major territories to ensure the widest possible access to supporters.But with BBC and ITV both opting out, Five emerged as the sub-licence partner.The DAZN deal means Chelsea and Manchester City are guaranteed around £30m up front with a further potential £67m if they go all the way to win the Final in New York in July.But now fans without access to streaming services will be able to watch 23 of the 63 games free of charge on terrestrial TV after the Five agreement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThose games include 15 group stage matches, likely to include the games of the two Prem giants, two quarter-finals, one semi-final and the Final.The newly- expanded 32-team competition also includes Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Juventus.Fans with smart TVs will be able to watch all 63 matches for free via DAZN.The British streaming platform has come to an arrangement with Fifa, who had gone into the new year reportedly still struggling to find a broadcaster. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAt one stage, Fifa president Gianni Infantino is understood to have held an emergency meeting in an attempt to bolster interest. ITV had hoped to tempt football’s ruling body into giving them broadcasting rights for FREE.Roy Keane cracks joke live on Sky Sports as he tells De Bruyne to join Man UtdIn exchange, ITV would have shown the games on their main channels – giving the event a high profile. But Fifa have now agreed a deal with smaller broadcaster Channel Five.The tournament runs from June 15 to July 13, across venues in the USA, including Charlotte, Cincinnati and Los Angeles. More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea Champions League winner, 38, could be set for emotional clash against Blues in Club World Cup after draw drama

      by

      FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has confirmed Chelsea’s opening Club World Cup opponents are set to be decided by a single game play-off.And that could bring a reunion with former Blues striker Olivier Giroud at MLS side LAFC.Chelsea could face Olivier Giroud and LAFC in the Club World CupCredit: GettyGiroud previously spent three years with the BluesCredit: APPlans for the 32-team tournament, offering a record £870m prize pot, were thrown in the air last month when Mexican outfit Club Leon were booted out of the event by world chiefs.Fifa’s regulations for the expanded tournament stated that no clubs under the same multi-club ownership umbrella could compete.Leon are part of the same group as fellow Mexican side Pachuca and have ignored demands for the club to be hived off from the overall ownership company.While Leon have lodged a complaint with the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport in a bid to overturn the Fifa decision, it emerged last month that a play-off involving LAFC and another Mexican side, Club America, was being planned.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAnd despite claims from Spain that Barcelona were in the mix to take part, Infantino has now confirmed the play-off plan – as long as CAS rules in Fifa’s favour.Speaking on a visit to Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium, where Chelsea’s opening game will be played on June 16, the Fifa President said: “In a couple of weeks we will have the final and definitive decision, we will respect any decision.”What we are looking at is that, if CAS confirms the decision of the Appeals Committee, FIFA’s intention is to play a match, a playoff, between the team that lost the final of the Concacaf Champions League, LAFC, and the next team in the ranking, which is Club America.”Infantino’s announcement came despite the tournament regulations stating no country could have more than two participants UNLESS they were all winners of their confederation’s main club competition in the four year qualification cycle.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeThose regulations meant the likes of European giants Liverpool and Barcelona, who would have qualified through their four-year coefficient ranking, missed out in favour of teams including Ajax andSalzburg.Mexico already have Pachuca and Monterrey in the tournament as winners of the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2024 and 2021 respectively – Leon were 2023 winners – while the US is represented by Seattle Sounders, who won in 2022 and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.Inside Chelsea’s Strasbourg talent factory as angry fans fight identity crisis That has brought a separate CAS suit by Costa Rican club Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, who argue that they are the highest-placed side in the Concacaf rankings who are not disqualified by representing either the US or Mexico.Fifa, though, appear to be dismissing that claim, with both potential replacements for Leon able to bring substantial value to the tournament.LAFC, who also include former Spurs skipper Hugo Lloris, are part-owned by US actor and comedian Will Ferrell, while Club America are the most widely supported club in Mexico.Fifa will not announce the date or venue of the play-off until after the CAS ruling but it is expected to be played in Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium next month.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.They then meet Abu Dhabi outfit Al Ain in Atlanta before finishing against Juventus in Orlando on June 26.Read More on The SunFifa say there are no multi-club ownership issues despite Al Ain’s President being Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the BROTHER of City President Shaikh Mansour.If they win their respective groups, the two Prem sides cannot meet until the Final in New York on July 13. More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      No TV interest, dismal ticket sales and furious bosses… ‘ridiculous’ Club World Cup is nothing but Fifa vanity project

      by

      FRANK by name and frank by nature, as Brentford boss Thomas Frank has got his Bees in the right bonnet.His sting was aimed at the Club World Cup, which he described as “ridiculous”. And I agree with him.Fifa’s revamped Club World Cup has not gone down well with some Prem bossesCredit: APBrentford boss Thomas Frank is refusing to watch the tournamentCredit: PAFurious Frank said: “Who wants it? No one. “The addition of the Club World Cup is ridiculous and there is a bigger conversation needed about the number of games being played over a year – but that is not for us and more for the teams in Europe.”You sometimes feel Fifa is run by Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em’s Frank Spencer and this is further proof.Frank criticised Fifa for hugely expanding a tournament for which there is little interest.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat’s not exactly true as the winner could bank £97MILLION for seven games, which does give the bean counters an incentive, if not the players.The fact that it has been turned down by BBC, ITV, Sky Sports and TNT Sports suggests the TV execs aren’t that bothered either, even though Manchester City and Chelsea are in it.But what Frank is angered by is simple – the players are bloody knackered.Come the end of a gruelling Premier League season, often with European games in midweek, footballers have run themselves into the ground.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLike anyone else, they need a few weeks in the sun to relax and recover.‘Ah’, I hear you shout, ‘but what about all those pre-season tours to the Far East?’ Fifa show off incredible new Club World Cup trophy that has be opened with a giant gold KEYIt’s a fair point, but these tours can get players back up to fitness.As well as the Club World Cup, what is also a concern is the increasing gap between Champions League qualifying clubs and the rest.For instance, if Chelsea or City both finish in the top five, that will now guarantee them Champions League football next season and around £150m.If one of them wins the Club World Cup that all adds up to nearly £250m! How are the other 15 Premier League clubs supposed to compete with that?The Club World Cup strikes me as a vanity project for Fifa.City boss Pep Guardiola is unhappy clubs must field their strongest squads in the 32-nation tournament, which starts in America in mid-June and lasts a whole month.If Guardiola is cheesed off now, can you imagine his temper if Erling Haaland got injured in the big match against Morocco’s Wydad AC.Frank insisted there is absolutely “no chance” he will even be watching it.He’s not the only one, as by all accounts, ticket sales have been dismal.No wonder the TV giants didn’t want to touch it as nothing stinks out a sporting event more than banks of empty seats. Everyone has worked out there is no glory to it, only money.Read More on The SunThe 24-carat gold-plated trophy was unveiled in the White House. At the rate things are going there, Donald Trump might be melting it down to flog it soon. More