The brand-new iteration of the FIFA Club World Cup is finally upon us and fans now have the chance to see teams from all over the world compete against one another. The tournament features some of the best sides on the planet, with the current champions of each continental competition qualifying as well as the teams who have statistically been the best performers over a specific period.
The likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Chelsea are all taking part in the tournament, but there are a few notable absences. Liverpool, the current champions of the Premier League aren't involved, neither are the Europa League winners, Tottenham Hotspur.
With massive amounts of money up for grabs in the competition, missing out on the competition has huge financial implications for teams. So much so that Barcelona, the reigning La Liga champions — who also didn't qualify — issued a plea to FIFA to let them take part and they were rejected.
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Why FIFA Rejected Barcelona's Plea to Compete in Club World Cup
They were snubbed in favour of another team
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After Mexican side Leon were kicked out of the Club World Cup due to FIFA's multi-club ownership rules, Barcelona issued a plea to the organisation to let them take part instead. Hansi Flick's men have been one of the best teams in the world this season, dominating their opponents and scoring for fun in Spain as they lifted the La Liga trophy, as well as reaching the Champions League semi-final.
Despite also winning the Copa del Rey, and finishing above Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, the two Spanish clubs who qualified for the Club World Cup, Barcelona didn't make it into the competition. This is because, according to the Daily Mail, the Club World Cup has a rule that ensures only two teams from the same nation can qualify. Having been eliminated from the Champions League in the group stage for three straight years between 2021-2023, the Catalan side fell below Atletico in UEFA's coefficient table.
Leon and fellow Liga MX side Pachuca are both operated by Grupo Pachuca and the rules state that owners can't have two teams in the competition at the same time. As a result, Leon were kicked out and Barcelona decided to try their luck at the last minute and gain entry in their absence.
They were once again snubbed by FIFA, though, and the governing body instead selected MLS club Los Angeles FC to take part. The United States-based side won a qualifying match against Club America, ensuring the spot remained with a team in the North and Central America region.
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