Real Madrid has responded in an official statement to the interview of Carlo Ancelotti, who was in conversation with the Italian Il Giornale indicated that the Royal Like other clubs, it will not participate in next summer's World Cup for Club Teams. The Madrid people say they 'just' participate. Ancelotti also says that his words have been misinterpreted.

“Real Madrid announces that there has never been any doubt about its participation in the new World Cup for Club Teams,” the statement said. “Therefore, our club will participate, as planned, in this official competition that we look forward to with pride and the utmost enthusiasm to make our millions of fans around the world dream again of a new title.”

Ancelotti has also responded to his interview. “My words about the Club World Cup were not interpreted as I intended. Nothing could be further from my interest than turning down the opportunity to play a tournament that I think could be a great opportunity to continue fighting for major titles with Real Madrid.”

Words by Ancelotti

“FIFA forgets that players and clubs are not going to participate in that tournament. One Real Madrid match is worth twenty million euros and FIFA wants to give us that amount for the entire tournament. I didn't think so,” the Real Madrid coach was clear in the interview Il Giornale. “Just like us, other clubs will refuse the invitation.”

At the end of 2022, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced that the World Cup for club teams would consist of 32 teams. Because more matches are played, the tournament will become financially more attractive for the participating teams.

The increase in the number of participating teams is particularly significant, as the current setup has room for only seven teams: the six winners of the continental tournaments and the champion of the host country. The tournament will be held in 2025 in the United States, which will host the World Cup for nations a year later with Canada and Mexico.

In addition to Real Madrid, the participants from Europe are also Manchester City, Chelsea, Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Inter, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica, FC Porto and RB Salzburg. The tournament in the United States lasts from June 15, 2025 to July 13, 2025.

This article is an update of an earlier news item. The comments below the message may therefore be less current.

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