Ancelotti Reveals Real Madrid Will Turn Down Club World Cup Invite from FIFA | Football/Soccer

Real are set to refuse to play in the Club World Cup, according to Ancelotti, amid controversy over FIFA’s revamped tournament. The competition is set to take place in the United States at the end of next season, with 32 teams from across the globe invited.

The Italian, who guided Real to a double of La Liga and the Champions League this season, claims that FIFA undervalue the teams who have been invited, with Real offered around €20 million (£17m/$22m) for their participation. Ancelotti has also suggested Real will not be the only team rejecting FIFA’s offer.

Ancelotti told Il Giornale: “FIFA forgets that player and teams will not participate in the new Club World Cup. A single Real Madrid match is worth €20 million and FIFA wants to give us that amount for the entire tournament. Negative. Like us, other clubs will refuse the invitation.”

Real are currently basking in the glow of their Champions League triumph ahead of the 2024-25 season. They have already taken some huge steps to improve, agreeing a blockbuster deal to sign Kylian Mbappe as a free agent.