Source:REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, to allow more top clubs like Liverpool and Barcelona to participate in the Club World Cup, FIFA is considering granting Chelsea a direct entry slot for the 2029 Club World Cup. FIFA is also pushing to increase the limit of two teams per country in the 2029 edition. However, if this threatens the UEFA Champions League, UEFA will oppose it. A source said that when deciding on the qualification plan for the 2029 Club World Cup, FIFA will evaluate the summer matches and consider all options, including whether Chelsea, as the champion, would automatically qualify. However, any move to expand the number of participating clubs from 32 to 48 is almost certain to face opposition from UEFA. This summer’s U.S. Club World Cup was met with little enthusiasm due to the absence of top clubs like Liverpool and Barcelona, which disappointed FIFA officials. Liverpool missed the opportunity because the Champions League winners from the 2021-24 cycle (including Chelsea and Manchester City) were automatically qualified. Critics pointed out that if the champions of the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A do not participate, the tournament can hardly be called a “top-tier club competition.” Liverpool, Barcelona, and Napoli have higher Europa League points than Salzburg Red Bull, who qualified.