Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti sparked controversy with his comments about the 2025 Club World Cup, set to be held in the United States. Media outlets reported his remarks, suggesting that "Real Madrid will not participate in the tournament."
The Italian coach's statements fueled concerns about the potential failure of the new format launched by FIFA, designed to be the biggest and strongest club tournament in history with 32 participating clubs, replacing the previous format that began in 2005 with seven clubs.
In comments published by the Italian newspaper "Il Giornale," Ancelotti said, "FIFA can forget about it. The clubs and players will not participate in that tournament. One Real Madrid match is worth 20 million euros, and they want to give us that amount for the entire tournament. This is unacceptable... Real Madrid, like other clubs, will refuse the invitation."
Ancelotti later retracted his statements, posting on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account: "My words about the Club World Cup were not interpreted as I intended. I consider the tournament a great opportunity to continue competing for major titles with Real Madrid, and refusing to participate is far from my interests."
Meanwhile, Real Madrid issued an official statement confirming their participation in the 2025 Club World Cup, stating: "The club announces that its participation in the Club World Cup, organized by FIFA in the 2024-2025 season, has never been in question."
The statement continued: "Our club will participate in this official tournament as planned, and we will face it with pride and optimism to make our millions of fans around the world dream of a new title."
Carlo Ancelotti is preparing for a historic season with Real Madrid, as the Spanish giants are set to compete in seven tournaments next season: La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España domestically, and the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup in December, and the 2025 Club World Cup internationally.
Ancelotti tops the list of the most successful coaches in Champions League history, having won the title five times, twice with AC Milan and three times with Real Madrid.
The 65-year-old coach also solidified his position at the top of a list of seven individuals who have won the Champions League as both players and coaches.
