FIFA receive legal threat over teams participating in revamped Club World Cup after controversial inclusion of Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami
Costa Rican side Alajuelense has urged FIFA to review their line-up for the upcoming Club World Cup. They have also warned that they could take legal action if denied a spot, as per Mirror. Notably, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami were given a spot in the upcoming tournament despite failing to win the MLS Cup.
The next edition of the FIFA Club World Cup will take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States of America. In this edition, 32 clubs will converge in the USA, as opposed to the seven teams of the winners of the six continental confederations and the host nation's league champions.
Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami side were handed a spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup following their Supporters’ Shield triumph. However, Alajuelense, the most successful team in Costa Rica, wants FIFA to grant them a place in the revamped edition of the Club World Cup.
The Costa Rican side wants FIFA to enforce the rule that forbids two clubs with the same ownership from participating in the tournament. Alajuelense released a statement pointing out that Mexican clubs Club Leon and Pachuca have the same owner. The statement read (via Mirror):
"The claim is based on the principles of eligibility set in the rules of the tournament."
Alajuelense spokesman Marco Vazquez added:
"Those are the rules that FIFA established — there cannot be multi-ownership. There are two Mexican clubs from the same owner and the rulebook is clear. What we are asking is to review what FIFA itself established."
The spokesman added the Costa Rican club had hired a law firm in Spain for the same. Club Leon gained entry into the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after winning the 2023 CONCACAF Champions Cup, while Pachuca qualified for the tournament after winning the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
What FIFA President said about granting Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami a spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
FIFA’s decision to include Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup didn’t sit well with many. It was claimed Miami were included only for financial gains.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the Herons deserved to play the revamped edition of the Club World Cup after their outstanding performance in the just-concluded regular MLS season. He said (via Mirror):
"Miami loves football, the world loves football and the world loves Miami. So I have three things to tell you."
"The first: many congratulations for winning the Supporters’ Shield. And on top, with the record of points in Major League Soccer. Congratulations, you are the best team of the season in America. Second, based on this outstanding performance of this year you deserve to be, and you will be, for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
"And third, as the host team of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, you will have the honour of opening the tournament by hosting the opening game here in Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium in front of 65,000 people and tens of millions at home."
