"One game is worth €20m": Real Madrid's terrifying message to FIFA

Real Madrid showed this season that it's still Europe's dominant football force, which gives 'Los Blancos' huge power.

With eyes on the next campaign, there was speculation regarding Madrid's participation in the Club World Cup, following FIFA's decision to cut down revenue for participating clubs.

According to ESPN, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said the club might refuse to take part in the first edition of FIFA's new Club World Cup tournament next summer, highlighting the lack of financial incentive behind the competition.

The new Club World Cup format was set to take place in the United States in June and July 2025, including a total of 32 teams from Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas.

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A total of 29 of the 32 places have been filled, including Real Madrid, who qualified after winning the Champions League title in 2022 and 2024.

"Players and clubs won't participate in that tournament. One single Real Madrid game is worth €20m (£16.8m/$21.5m), and FIFA wants to give us that amount for the entire competition. Negative," shared the Italian coach during an interview for 'Il Giornale'.

Nevertheless, the Spanish club recently announced in an official statement that "Real Madrid will participate in the tournament organized by FIFA next season", disregarding the lack of financial incentives

The tension between FIFA and Real Madrid continues as both entities push on with their agendas. Real Madrid is navigating a complicated maze in order to fulfill their Super League objectives... And coming to terms with FIFA might be a step in the right direction.

It seems FIFA is trying to squeeze every participating club to try and maximize their profits in what is already a controversial tournament. The last edition of the Club World Cup took place in Saudi Arabia in December 2023, featuring just seven teams. The cup was won by Manchester City, who beat Brazilian side Fluminense in the final.

According to ESPN, the tournament has faced criticism from domestic leagues and other player unions, who argue the players are being overworked. The tight schedule leaves very little wiggle room for both coach and staff to plan ahead.

Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, rejected those claims. "FIFA is organizing around 1% of the games of the top clubs in the world. When it comes to the national teams, it is very similar. We still have between 1%-2% of matches which are organized by FIFA. All other matches (98%) are organized by other organizations," shared the president.

Infantino's speech was aimed at silencing "this futile debate", according to the FIFA president himself. Will FIFA cede to Real Madrid and renegotiate the tournament finances?

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