A man standing behind a podium with the FC Barcelona logo on the left and the FIFA logo on the right.
Laporta and FIFA Logo | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
FIRST TEAM

Barça Misses Out on the Most Demanded Title, Historic Blow by FIFA

FIFA didn't consider the Barça club at any time to be a participating team in the Club World Cup

by

Alex Moreno

Hard Blow for FC Barcelona. FIFA Has Closed the Door to the blaugrana Club for the New 2025 Club World Cup, the organization's most ambitious tournament.

Despite reaching the Champions League semifinals, Barça won't be in the United States. The reason: their poor European performance in recent years.

FIFA Didn't Even Consider It

FIFA has been clear. At no point was inviting Barça to the tournament considered.

Neither a direct invitation nor a play-off. There is no space for the blaugranas.

Unlike what many wanted, the qualification criteria have been rigorous. Accumulated performance in the Champions League since 2021 was rewarded.

Soccer players celebrate a goal on the field while other players show discouragement.
Barcelona Celebrate Dani Olmo's Penalty Goal Against Osasuna | Agencia LOF

Barça has had several early eliminations in the Champions League. Twice they fell in the group stage.

That has left the club without enough points in the UEFA ranking used by FIFA.

Although this season they managed to reach the semifinals, it wasn't enough to make up for previous failures.

Arsenal in the Same Situation

The English club has also been a victim of the system. Arsenal won't go to the Club World Cup either.

Both teams have excelled this season, but they arrived late to the party.

FIFA Already Had the List Almost Closed. Only one spot was left for non-Champions League-winning European clubs. That went to Salzburg by ranking.

A Tournament with an Elite Flavor... Without Barça

The Club World Cup will be held in the summer of 2025 in the United States. It will feature 32 teams from all continents.

Among the European representatives will be Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Bayern.

The image shows the draw for the group stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with eight groups labeled A to H, each with four teams represented by their crests.
Teams of the 2025 Club World Cup | Real Madrid Confidencial

Barça, therefore, is left out of the most desired tournament. A championship with a World Cup format and millions at stake.

A Warning for Laporta and Flick

This setback is not only sporting. It is also economic. Participating in the tournament meant millions in revenue from television, sponsorships, and prizes.

In Can Barça, this is seen as a historic slap. The fans wanted to return to the world map, but FIFA has turned its back on them.

Now, Laporta and Hansi Flick must work to ensure that these kinds of disappointments don't happen again. Because modern soccer not only demands winning today, it also demands having been consistent in the past.

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