Club World Cup

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      Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham head up list of six stars who could be forced to SNUB England duty as shock request made

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      ENGLAND stars face being forced to pick between club or country in the escalating row over Fifa’s controversial new £600million tournament.SunSport revealed last week the growing anger from global league bosses and player unions over next summer’s planned 32-team Club World Cup in the USA.Harry Kane may be forced to pick between England duty and playing in the Club World CupCredit: GettyIt comes with league chiefs wanting to bring it forward by two weeks to ensure a proper breakCredit: GettyAnd it is set to give the England manager a major headacheCredit: GettyNow top league chiefs want it brought forward two weeks in June to ensure a proper summer break — but that would clash with Fifa World Cup qualifiers.So England skipper Harry Kane and Three Lions team-mates Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Jack Grealish would have to choose who to play for.PFA chief Maheta Molango says Premier League players are ready to “strike” if they are forced to take part in the revamped club competition against their will.While lawyers representing the World Leagues Association and international players’ union FifPro are drafting legal proceedings to stop the event taking place as planned from June 15 to July 13.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe leagues have now contacted Fifa to suggest playing the four-week tournament — set to feature Manchester City, Chelsea, Kane’s Bayern Munich and Bellingham’s Real Madrid — from June 1 to June 29.That would allow players a proper summer break ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. One leagues source insisted: “This is the only acceptable solution.Who is in the Club World Cup?There are 32 teams who will qualify for the tournament from around the world, 12 of which will come from Europe.
      Four are selected via the Uefa pathway of winning the Champions League, while the other eight are picked via the ranking pathway.
      Here are the European teams who have qualified:

      Chelsea
      Man City
      Real Madrid
      Bayern Munich
      Paris Saint-Germain
      Inter Milan
      Porto
      Benfica
      Borussia Dortmund
      Juventus
      Atletico Madrid
      RB Salzburg

      “Now it’s up to Fifa to make a decision. If they do what we ask it will be for the players to decide who they play for.“We have told Fifa they have already taken the first two weeks of June for international football, so that should be part of the window for the Club World Cup, not in addition to it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“It is a fact that the 2025-26 season is going to be even more condensed than normal.“Because it has to end earlier, in mid-May, to allow players preparation time for the biggest and longest World Cup ever.”Inside England’s stunning five-star Euro 2024 base with robot waiters that will cost £800,000Prem chief executive Richard Masters is already making contingency plans. They could see City and Chelsea MISS the start of the 2025-26 season if they go deep into the tournament, which launched as an eight-team winter event in 2000.FifPro and the PFA say that stars need a minimum three-week break written into all pro deals.Asked if strike action was a possibility, PFA boss Molango said: “We have reached that point.“I have gone to dressing rooms and players have told me, ‘I’m not having it, we may as well strike’.”Arsenal’s ex-head of elite performance Darren Burgess warned: “With the Club World Cup and internationals, Chelsea and City could play 86 games next season.”PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      PFA chief Maheta Molango has warned Prem clubs are ready to ‘strike’ over the new tournamentCredit: PA More

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      Fifa threatened with legal action unless it reschedules club football’s biggest tournament worth £600million

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      FIFA has been threatened with legal action unless it reschedules next year’s Club World Cup.There are fears the expanded 32-team tournament — to be held in the USA —  poses a “significant injury risk” to players if it is staged in June and July 2025 as currently planned.Man City are the reigning Club World Cup holdersCredit: AFPChelsea and Manchester City are England’s representatives in the event, expected to be worth £600million between the competing clubs — which also include Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and  Inter Milan.But now the international players’ union FifPro and the World Leagues Association, led by Prem chief executive Richard Masters, are demanding Fifa U-turns on its new club flagship tournament — or face being SUED.Ahead of next week’s Fifa Congress in Bangkok, a joint letter to Zurich chiefs from the two bodies claims Fifa’s new match calendar is “beyond saturation”, is causing “economic harm” to domestic leagues and poses a “significant injury risk” to players.The letter said: “Fifa has  consistently made decisions that benefit its own commercial interests, while negatively affecting national leagues and players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Over a significant period, Fifa has ignored repeated attempts by leagues and unions to engage on this issue.“Should Fifa refuse to commit to resolving the issues, we shall be  compelled to advise our members on the options available to them to  proactively safeguard their interests.“These options include legal action against Fifa, on which we have now commissioned external expert advice.“The calendar is beyond saturation, to the point national leagues are unable to properly organise their competitions, resulting in economic harm.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Players are pushed beyond their limits, with significant injury risks and impacts on their fundamental rights.”Man City are the current holders of the Club World Cup.Fifa President Infantino hails Scottish football thrillerPep Guardiola’s side beat Fluminense 4-0 in Jeddah last December.A Julian Alvarez double sandwiched a Nino own goal and Phil Foden strike. More

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      Fifa close to agreeing major new broadcasting deal for Club World Cup – but fans might not be able to watch for free

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      FIFA are close to agreeing a broadcast deal for the Club World Cup, according to reports.The expanded tournament is set to take place in the US in the summer of 2025.Apple TV+ are in talks to broadcast the Club World CupCredit: GettyThe Club World Cup traditionally pitted four clubs from around the globe against one another.But the new format will see 32 clubs participate including 12 from Europe, with Manchester City and Chelsea representing England.Fifa were believed to want around £3.2million for the broadcast package but the actual fee could be closer to £800,000, according to the New York Times.Apple TV+ are in talks about buying the rights and could make the tournament subscriber-only, which means fans might not be able to watch any games for free.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSenior executives at Fifa have concerns about that fact, with normal World Cup games being made free-to-air in the UK.Apple TV+ show MLS games after agreeing a ten-year deal worth £2billion.They will also show Jake Paul’s boxing dust-up with Mike Tyson in July.There is plenty of money involved in the revamped tournament with each club set to bank at least £43m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe winner will pocket an additional £80m, meaning there is plenty on the line for the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.Four teams from England have won the competition previously – Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and City.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fan More

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      Arsenal miss out on Club World Cup place to side who’ve only ever got out of their Champions League group once

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      ARSENAL have missed out on a place at the Club World Cup after crashing out of the Champions League.Mikel Arteta’s men were confident of victory at Bayern Munich after a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.Arsenal have missed out on the Club World Cup after being KO’d from the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe expanded tournament takes place next year with Chelsea and Man City representing EnglandCredit: GettyBut the Gunners were blunted in Bavaria as Thomas Tuchel’s side dominated the game.And the Germans emerged victorious with a 1-0 win on the night thanks to a strike from Joshua Kimmich.Arsenal will now return to England to lick their wounds, having also suffered a huge title blow with defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday.However, things are only getting worse for the Gunners and their fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat’s because they will not be joining Chelsea and holders Manchester City – themselves KO’d from Europe by Real Madrid on Wednesday – at the Club World Cup.Next year’s expanded format will see 32 teams take part for the prestigious trophy.And Arsenal needed to go all the way by winning this season’s Champions League to take part.However, they have now been knocked out of both events as a result of their defeat in Munich.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERInstead, their spot will go to Austrian side RB Salzburg.They’ve never won a European trophy and have only ever made it out of the Champions League group stage once.7 times Arsenal vs Chelsea games EXPLODEDHowever, they are the highest-ranked side in Uefa’s coefficient table, as only two teams per domestic league are allowed to qualify.Italy are represented by Inter Milan and Juventus, while Germany have Bayern and Borussia Dortmund.Spain will see Real Madrid and Atletico take part, while Portugal boast both Benfica and Porto.Other countries represented next year include the USA, Mexico, Japan and Brazil.Teams playing in 2025 Club World CupAll the sides who have qualified:

      Chelsea (England)
      Man City (England)
      Real Madrid (Spain)
      Atletico Madrid (Spain)
      Bayern Munich (Germany)
      Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
      PSG (France)
      Inter Milan (Italy)
      Juventus (Italy)
      Porto (Portugal)
      Benfica (Portugal)
      RB Salzburg (Austria)
      Palmeiras (Brazil)
      Flamengo (Brazil)
      Fluminense (Brazil)
      Auckland City (New Zealand)
      Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
      Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
      Al Ahly (Egypt)
      Wydad AC (Morocco)
      Monterrey (Mexico)
      Club León (Mexico)
      Seattle Sounders (USA) More

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      Atletico Madrid beat Barcelona to £43million windfall despite BOTH clubs going out of Champions League on same night

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      BARCELONA have missed out on £43million following their Champions League exit.Paris Saint-Germain came from behind against ten-man Barca to knock them out in the quarter-finals on Tuesday, as the Catalans were left bemoaning Ronald Araujo’s controversial first-half red card.Barcelona were dumped out of the Champions League by PSGCredit: APThe result means Barcelona miss out on the 2025 Club World Cup.The tournament expands from four clubs to 32 next year with 12 teams from Europe qualifying.But a maximum of two teams are permitted from each country and with Champions League winners from 2021-24 getting a place, that means Real Madrid have already qualified.The second spot from Spain was being contested between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, who also exited the Champions League on Tuesday after losing to Borussia Dortmund.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Diego Simeone’s side will head to the Club World Cup as they have a high Uefa co-efficient ranking than Barca, with a score of 67 compared to 60.And with qualification comes a £43m windfall for all participating clubs, with the winner set to cash in on an additional £80m.Barcelona also miss out on £10.6m which they would have received for reaching the Champions League semi-final.That is bad news for the club who are still struggling financially and need to slash their wage bill by £57m.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLaLiga announced the Blaugrana would be having their permitted salary limit cut down from £231m to 174m for the 2024/25 season.With the club’s real squad cost – the total of salaries and transfer amortisations – for this season officially budgeted at £421m, they are some way over budget and will need to make significant cuts.Footage of Ronaldinho’s son, 19, at Barcelona emerges and fans are baffled to spot his positionEngland’s two places will go to recent Champions League winners Chelsea and Manchester City.But Arsenal can still earn a spot if they win the competition this season.That’s because the two club per country cap is lifted if there are more than two winners from one league over the four-year qualifying cycle. More

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      ‘Make it make sense’, rant fans after realising Liverpool and Arsenal WON’T be at 2025 Club World Cup.. but Chelsea will

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      CHELSEA and Manchester City have earned a spot at the 2025 Club World Cup.However, Premier League title-chasers Liverpool and Arsenal are yet to feature on the line-up.Chelsea will feature at the 2025 Club World CupCredit: GettyThe Blues won the competition in 2021Credit: GettyThe Club World Cup will be expanded to 32 teams for the first time in the competition’s history next year.Teams are selected from six confederations across the world including AFC (Asia), CAF (Africa), CONCACAF (North and Central America and Caribbean), CONMEBOL (South America), OFC (Oceania) and Uefa (Europe).The competition’s four previous winners have also been invited to take part.That means Chelsea, who were crowned champions in 2021, will feature.Read More in FootballThe Blues have struggled to compete in the Premier League over the last two years despite spending over £1billion on player transfers.They finished 12th in the table last season and currently sit 11th with 12 games left to play.As a result of last season’s poor results Chelsea also failed to qualify for Europe, leaving many fans baffled as to why they will be allowed to take part in the Club World Cup.One football fan took to X to write: “Liverpool & Arsenal not playing but Chelsea playing.. the 32 teams Club World Cup is outlandishly embarrassing. Chelsea isn’t even in Europe.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “How tf does it make sense?”Another questioned: “This is f***ing stupid, why is Chelsea playing?”Who could be Chelsea’s next manager after Pochettino?While a third wrote: “Snuck in Chelsea like we won’t notice 😂.”Man City have also qualified for the Club World Cup next year.Pep Guardiola’s side won the competition at the end of 2023 after clinching the Treble.Among the other clubs that have already qualified are Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter Milan, Auckland City, Palmeiras and Seattle Sounders.The Club World Cup will be expanded to 32 teams next yearCredit: AFP More

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      ‘What criteria did they use?’ – Fans baffled to discover Premier League flops already qualified for Fifa Club World Cup

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      FANS have been left baffled after Chelsea were announced as qualifiers for the expanded 2025 Fifa Club World Cup.The tournament is set to undergo a big shake-up next year with 32 teams involved. Chelsea have qualified for the expanded 2025 Fifa Club World CupCredit: GettyAnd surprisingly, Chelsea will be one of them, joining the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PSG. One fan reacted to the news, saying: “Why are Chelsea there.”Another said: “Chelsea finished 10th but still going to the Club World Cup.”One added: “What is the criteria for qualification?”READ MORE IN football Another agreed: “How did Chelsea qualify? What qualification criteria did FIFA use?”Despite mass fan confusion, Fifa confirmed that Champions League winners from 2021-2024 qualify for the tournament. And Chelsea lifted the European cup under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel only three years ago. Winners of “each confederation’s premier club competition” also qualify, explaining Bayern Munich and PSG’s presence. Most read in Football2025 Fifa Club World Cup teams so far

      𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀
      Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco)Al Ahly SC (Egypt)
      𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐀
      Al Hilal SFC (Saudi Arabia)Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
      𝐄𝐔𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄
      Chelsea (England)Real Madrid (Spain)Manchester City (England)Bayern Munich (Germany)PSG (France)Inter Milan (Italy)Porto (Portugal)Benfica (Portugal)
      𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇/𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀
      CF Monterrey (Mexico)Seattle Sounders FC (United States)Club Leon (Mexico)
      𝐎𝐂𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐀
      Auckland City FC (New Zealand)
      𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀
      SE Palmeiras (Brazil)CR Flamengo (Brazil)Fluminense FC (Brazil)

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMore info will be announced throughout 2024 — including the trophy, host cities, and the draw.But for now, the first 19 sides have been announced, with a further 13 to be added.Astrid Wett boycotting Chelsea matches after she is ‘spat at’ despite ‘being one of club’s biggest fans’ The new 32-team tournament format will take place every four years with an extended international break merging the current September and October slots to facilitate the changes.City – last season’s Champions League winners – are the current holders. More

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      World Cup final venue revealed with never-seen-before element for showpiece after beating rival stadiums

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      THE 2026 World Cup final is now set to be played indoors — after Fifa chiefs agreed Dallas’ AT&T Stadium will host the biggest game in football.Tournament chiefs will confirm more details about the first 48-team World Cup next month following a meeting in London this week.
      The 2026 World Cup will take place in America, Canada and MexicoCredit: AP
      The final of the tournament will take place at the AT&T Stadium in DallasCredit: GETTY
      SunSport has been told that the home of the Dallas Cowboys has beaten New York’s MetLife Stadium to host the showpiece.
      The Texan city will also be the main base for Fifa — rather than the other options of New York and Miami.
      Fifa is aiming to complete the 72-game group phase in 15 days, meaning up to five matches back to back in the first two rounds of games, with all teams guaranteed four days’ rest.
      But it remains unclear if identifying the eight third-place sides to go through to the knock-out phase will see Fifa split the tournament into two distinct halves to ensure sufficient rest for all teams.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The revised World Cup will feature a whopping 104 matches.
      The controversial and drastic change to the tournament format – which will be held in Mexico and Canada as well as the USA- was revealed by Fifa chiefs.
      A statement said: “Based on a thorough review that considered sporting integrity, player welfare, team travel, commercial and sporting attractiveness, as well as team and fan experience, the Fifa Council unanimously approved the proposed amendment to the Fifa World Cup 2026 competition format from 16 groups of three to 12 groups of four.
      With the top two and eight best third-placed teams progressing to a round of 32.
      Most read in Football
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      Gianni Infantino has claimed the 2026 World Cup will ‘change the balance in football’Credit: GETTY
      “The revised format mitigates the risk of collusion and ensures that all the teams play a minimum of three matches, while providing balanced rest time between competing teams.”
      After the confirmation of the hosts for the competition, Fifa bigwig Gianni Infantino said: “Congratulations for the qualification of Mexico, Canada and the United States, who already qualified for this [FIFA] World Cup last week through the FIFA Council’s decision.
      “But in addition to those three, three more Concacaf teams will qualify for sure, and possibly even five.”
      President Infantino added: “This next World Cup in North America is going to be the World Cup of America.
      “It’s going to be the World Cup that will change the balance in football, because we are going to focus our work in this part of the world.” More