Sport
Barcelona Denied Club World Cup Place Despite Winning La Liga and Trophies
Barcelona reportedly made a last-minute attempt to join the 2025 Club World Cup but were turned down by FIFA, despite a successful domestic season. The Spanish giants reached out to world football’s governing body hoping to take advantage of an unexpected opening at the tournament. The vacancy came after Mexican side Club León was disqualified for breaching FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules, since they share ownership with local rivals Pachuca.
Although Barca had a strong case—having won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup in the 2024–25 season—the spot didn’t go to them. Instead, FIFA kept things within the CONCACAF region, awarding the place to MLS side LAFC. LAFC secured their participation by defeating Club América in a play-in match organized to fill León’s place.
Barcelona had failed to qualify automatically through the standard ranking system and hoped their recent silverware would be enough to earn them a place. However, FIFA stood by its regional representation structure and passed on the Catalan club’s late push for inclusion.
Head coach of Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone, speaks on team defense and called out a player who needs to toughen up. He shared that Ademola Lookman needs to work on defense.
“Ademola Lookman arrived with great enthusiasm and desire to keep growing. We need him to add defensive work to what he already gives us offensively, because he has that ability,” he then added.
“He’s shown it with the Nigeria national team, and we need him in that role.”
Former football legend Paul Merson states that Mohammad Salah is the greatest winger of all time.
While also praising Bukayo Saka for being the winger in form right now.
When asked in a recent interview, he stated “For the best right now, it’s probably [Bukayo] Saka for his all-around game. I will go Salah, because the numbers he’s put up are ridiculous.”
Former player Paul Merson shares his predictions on this weekend’s Premier League games.
He shared Leeds United vs Manchester City – Prediction: Leeds 1-1 Manchester City.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace – Prediction: Manchester United 3-0 Crystal Palace.
Arsenal vs Chelsea – Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea.
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