There had been news following Mexico’s Club León’s possible suspension from the event, with the fans anticipating FIFA to invite them in their place with the high-performing Catalan giants.
Behind closed doors, FIFA officials are engaged in negotiations regarding a decision that can alter Barcelona’s fate.
The governing body, however, put such rumors to rest, upholding due process over hasty invitations.
Despite swirling rumors, FIFA never contemplated having Barcelona at the 2025 Club World Cup, according to MARCA’s confirmation.
Barcelona’s arguments for stand-in status appeared good.
With Hansi Flick at the helm, they led La Liga, made it to the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, and made it to the Champions League semifinals—a rejuvenated season that rekindled faith in their entitlement to the expanded 32-team format.
FIFA’s position is, however, resolute: with León submitting their suspension appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), there will be no talk of replacements until a final ruling is issued.
This juridical limbo shatters Barça’s slender hopes.
While León’s appeal lingers, FIFA refuses to consider alternatives, with no door left open for the Blaugrana, despite their worldwide popularity and competitive revival.
The club’s recent successes had raised hopes for a fairytale inclusion, particularly with the tournament’s new format involving top clubs from various continents.
But bureaucracy has trumped sentiment.
For now, Barcelona must concentrate all their efforts on their present treble chase rather than clinging to Club World Cup ambitions.
The CAS ruling could take weeks, and even if León’s ban is upheld, FIFA could pick a CONCACAF-ranked substitute rather than disrupting the confederation equilibrium of the competition.
A disappointment for supporters, this certainty provides Flick’s side with a clear objective of winning silverware in their three ongoing tournaments.
The Club World Cup door now appears shut tight—unless FIFA has a sudden change of heart at the eleventh hour.
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