Marca revealed that Barcelona approached FIFA to participate in the 2025 Club World Cup, but their request was rejected.
Barcelona was not among the European clubs participating in the World Cup due to its low ranking based on its participation in various continental tournaments over the past five years.
After FIFA announced the huge financial prizes for the Club World Cup, the Catalan club saw participation as a good opportunity to generate funds and address its severe economic crisis.
According to Marca, Joan Laporta’s administration tried to participate, but this move came too late, and FIFA was unable to help the Catalans secure a place in the tournament held in the United States.
Barcelona realizes that the revenues, which could exceed $100 million, from participation were an ideal opportunity on all levels. The club also hoped to play the tournament in Los Angeles or New York, where it enjoys immense popularity and would generate more advertising and publicity money.
Ultimately, Barcelona’s attempts were unsuccessful, but the club is actually happy not to participate, as it will allow them the advantage of adequate rest before the start of the highly-congested next season.
