FIFA president Gianni Infantino has announced a new version of the 24-member Club World Cup starting in 2021 and has faced immediate boycott from the European Clubs Association, which includes giants such as Real Madrid and Manchester United.
The club angered Ignantino for asking for the postponement of the expanded tournament proposal. "The European Clubs Association will not participate in the Club World Cup in 2021 and will evaluate the issue of participation in the next editions," a spokesman said.
At a press conference in Miami, Infanto said that FIFA decided at its board meeting Friday to push ahead with the idea of consultations with everyone, noting that some agreed and others objected.
"I understand the situation in Europe because there are shareholders and associations for the league, small and big clubs and the players' unions," he said, adding: "The issue is more complicated than any other country in the world."