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.
Chelsea player Enzo Fernández is in discussions to join Manchester City. This information was revealed by Fabrizio Romano, who shared that the two clubs are discussing a potential deal.
He wrote: “Enzo Fernández has a verbal agreement with Manchester City on personal terms.
“Deal depends on club-to-club decision, as #MCFC have not sent an official bid yet, but contacts will take place soon; decision on price is up to Chelsea.
“Enzo could be out again this weekend.”
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca mentions his captains for the team. He mentions Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland.
He shared “We have experienced players. For sure, we have leaders. Now we need to wait four or five more days until the transfer window closes to see if we can add one or two more captains to Ruben [Dias] and Erling , who at the moment are the two captains.”
Maresca confirmed the pair as part of his leadership group ahead of the 2026/27 season, with two more captains expected to be selected after the transfer window closes.
Chelsea manager speaks on the team and shares thoughts on considering a change in goalkeepers, giving another goalkeeper, Mike Penders, a chance.
“Penders is part of the squad, so he has an opportunity. We will decide and then I am giving the team tomorrow to the players, so I prefer to respect that they know first.”
“Fighting for Nigerians Is Tiring” — VeryDarkMan Recalls Burna Boy’s Words
Enzo Fernández Moves Closer to Manchester City Transfer
