Star Players Absent as FIFA's Expanded Club World Cup Kicks Off in the US
Source: news.source.manilatimes
The inaugural expanded FIFA Club World Cup, set to begin on June 14, 2025, in the United States, will be missing several high-profile players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah, Neymar, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal due to the tournament's qualification criteria. Despite a prize pool of one billion dollars, the absence of these stars may impact the event's global appeal.
Key Points
The expanded Club World Cup will start on June 14, 2025, in the US with a prize pool of one billion dollars.
High-profile players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah, Neymar, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal will not participate due to qualification issues.
Barcelona, Liverpool, and other notable clubs will not be present at the tournament, affecting the star power.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino hinted at potential discussions for Ronaldo to play, but no changes were made.
The absence of these stars may reduce the tournament's appeal and the chance for iconic matchups like Messi vs. Ronaldo.
