Real Madrid make massive U-turn as they confirm participation for FIFA Club World Cup

Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid has confirmed that the side would be playing in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. He said, “In my interview with Il Giornale, my words about the FIFA Club World Cup have not been interpreted in the way I intended. Nothing could be further from my interest than rejecting the possibility of playing a tournament that I think can be a great opportunity to continue fighting for great titles with Real Madrid.”

Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano broke the news of this massive U-turn and posted the comment of Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian manager said, “It was never in doubt, we will be part of the World Cup and we’re proud to compete to win the trophy for our fans.”

Earlier, Carlo Ancelotti stated that the team would not be participating in the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup. The UEFA Champions League and La Liga champions are currently eligible for the 32-team FIFA competition, which will be staged in the United States next year.

Carlo Ancelotti while speaking to an Italian newspaper said that, "FIFA can forget it, footballers and clubs will not participate in that tournament. A single Real Madrid match is worth 20 million and Fifa wants to give us that amount for the whole cup. Negative. Like us, other clubs will refuse the invitation."

New and expanded version of the FIFA Club World Cup

The FIFA Club World Cup has been expanded for next year, with 32 clubs competing in a massive new tournament. The inaugural edition of FIFA's revamped premier club tournament will be held in the United States.

It is going to bring together clubs from all six international confederations: AFC, CAF, Concacaf, CONMEBOL, OFC, and, of course, UEFA. However, FIFA has expanded the competition for the coming year, with 32 clubs competing in a pre-season competition scheduled for June and July. Real Madrid, however, has decided against the extended Club World Cup, according to manager Carlo Ancelotti.