This might come as a shock to many, but FC Barcelona would not be representing itself in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. To know the reason for this, read the article given below:
Criteria for teams to be selected in the Club World Cup:
The criteria for the teams to be selected to play in the FIFA Club World Cup are quite complex. 2 clubs from every country can compete in the Club World Cup.
The Club World Cup has gone through a major change, and instead of the 7 teams from each continent that used to participate, the format has been changed to a more interesting and competitive one, which would feature 32 teams that have been divided into groups of 4.
The 2 teams that would be representing their countries in Europe have been chosen by the criteria of UEFA Champions League performances over the period of the last 4 years. This is because in European football, the Champions League is regarded as one of the most difficult and prestigious competitions.
Why is Barcelona missing the tournament?
Even though Barcelona had great performances in their domestic league, i.e., La Liga, during the span of the last 4 years, winning the La Liga title for a total of 2 times, their record in the Champions League has been quite underwhelming.
Barcelona have not won the Champions League since 2015, and as the Champions League was the main criterion for selection of European teams for the Club World Cup, Barcelona are set to miss the tournament.
It is because of this sole reason that, instead of FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid would be representing Spain at the Club World Cup along with Real Madrid.
Other major teams to miss the tournament:
Apart from FC Barcelona, other major clubs are also set to miss the tournament because of FIFA’s criteria. These clubs include AC Milan, Napoli, and Liverpool
Even Ronaldo’s Al-Nasser won’t be playing in the tournament as they were unsuccessful in winning the AFC Champions League.
Do you think the selection criteria for the Club World Cup are right? Share your opinion in the comments section