Summer in Korea and Japan
Even with FIFA’s official invitation: No Barcelona to the Club World Cup!
Barcelona will not participate in the Club World Cup even with FIFA’s official invitation and has finalized its Asian tour instead.
According to reports, although Joan Laporta, president of Barcelona, wanted his team to participate in the Club World Cup, the club will not request a special invitation (wildcard) even if they win the Champions League.
Barcelona has finalized its Asian tour and will travel to South Korea and Japan, where it currently has a guaranteed income of €15 million but hopes to increase this to €25 million.
Barcelona does not intend to request an invitation to the Club World Cup, even if they win the Champions League. The club had hoped to be among the selected teams for this tournament, especially due to the significant financial rewards compared to the income from its Asian tour. However, Barça does not want to negotiate with FIFA.
First reason: Regulatory issues: The 12 European slots (out of 32 participating teams) have already been determined, and Barcelona does not want to challenge this. The club’s relations with FIFA, under Gianni Infantino’s leadership, are close to the Super League idea, but they accept that they do not deserve a place in this tournament on sporting merit and that changing plans is no longer possible.
Barcelona is currently finalizing its Asian tour, which begins in late July. The team will play two friendlies in South Korea: the first against FC Seoul and the second likely against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors or Suwon Samsung. In Japan, one match has been confirmed, and Barça is trying to increase its income by organizing more friendlies. The goal is to raise the current €15 million income to €25 million.
Barcelona emphasizes that participating in the Club World Cup was attractive in terms of prestige and finances, but they have accepted the situation and even see a positive aspect. If Barça wins the Champions League, they will play in the UEFA Super Cup on August 13 and can have a normal preseason, which will help them prepare better for this match.
Currently, five of the eight quarter-finalists in the Champions League (Real Madrid, Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Inter, and Paris Saint-Germain) will participate in the Club World Cup.
