FC Barcelona’s shocking exclusion from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was a financial knockout for the cash-strapped club, but a surprise opportunity may now arise.
Barcelona lost out on the expanded 32-club competition first when their erratic Champions League performances between 2021 and 2024, such as drubbings at Paris Saint-Germain, cost them vital UEFA coefficient points.
This left the way open for Atlético Madrid to take Spain’s second place with Real Madrid, and Barcelona is now short by €50 million.
The Club World Cup offers huge participation fees and commercial visibility, which would go some way to solve the club’s financial crisis and bring it back in line with La Liga’s 1:1 spending equilibrium.
With Mexico’s Club León suspended for multi-club ownership rule violations, FIFA is said to be considering inviting Barcelona instead—a development that would bring much-needed money into the Catalan giants, as per journalist David Faitelson.
Although there is no official decision, Barcelona’s involvement would be a financial boon.
FIFA now has Barcelona in their sights as a likely replacement for León, whose disqualification is due to their parent company Grupo Pachuca owning fellow qualifiers CF Pachuca.
Combined with anticipated revenue from next season’s Champions League and their forthcoming €20 million+ pre-season Asia tour, this lifeline would go a long way towards stabilizing Barcelona’s finances.
But there are still obstacles to overcome.
FIFA officially would need to sanction the invitation, and Barcelona would need to overcome legal and logistical obstacles before it can be finalized.
But that it even stands a chance is a glimmer of hope.
For a club so desperate for its financial viability, the Club World Cup can be that spark to once again become the best.
As negotiations continue in Zurich, Barcelona fans will be eagerly waiting, knowing that this twist of fate can change their club’s immediate future.
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