CLUB WORLD CUP
Ahly, Wydad set for Mundial de Clubes FIFA debut – Sundowns, Esperance eyeing other slots
The race is on for African clubs to secure the remaining places at FIFA’s new 32-team club world cup tournament – the Mundial de Clubes FIFA – which makes its debut in the United States in 2025.
Two of the continent’s four qualification spots have already been claimed by recent CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly of Egypt and Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca.
Al Ahly booked their ticket by virtue of winning the 2022/23 editions of Africa’s premier club competition.
Wydad, meanwhile, qualified after their 2021/22 Champions League triumph under the tutelage of history making coach Walid Regragui.
The two remaining African berths will go to the winners of the current 2023/24 Champions League campaign and the highest-ranked side based on FIFA’s club coefficient rankings.
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Esperance of Tunisia are the only two clubs still in contention to claim that rankings spot should Ahly or Wydad win this season’s CAF Champions League.
But they will have to wait to see who lifts the Champions League trophy, with Al Ahly and Wydad both safely through to the quarter-finals once again.
Whatever happens, African football can look forward to a strong quartet of representatives at the inaugural Mundial de Clubes FIFA in just over a year’s time.
-CAF
CLUB WORLD CUP
FIFA counters players’ union; defends Club World Cup schedule
World football governing body Fifa has rejected claims that Fifpro and the World Leagues Association were not consulted over plans to host a 32-team Club World Cup.
It comes after players’ union Fifpro and the WLA called on Fifa to reschedule the tournament, due to take place next summer, amid a threat of legal action.
Fifpro and the WLA said “players are being pushed beyond their limits”.
In a letter sent to Fifpro and the WLA, which has been seen by BBC Sport, Fifa says it has “a duty and responsibility” to implement an international match calendar in the “best interests of world football”.
Fifa insisted Fifpro and the WLA were consulted about changes to the overall 2025-30 international match calendar, including the 2025 Club World Cup, which was confirmed by the Fifa Council in December 2022.
Although it says it is open to talks, Fifa has no intention of altering next year’s Club World Cup, saying it is “fully within our rights to set the parameters of our competitions whilst respecting the regulatory framework in place”.
Manchester City and Chelsea are among the 12 European representatives at the expanded Club World Cup, to be held in the USA between 13 June and 15 July 2025.
Fifa point out that domestic member leagues of the WLA, such as the Premier League, can arrange their own competitions, noting the organisation of “international tours” in recent years.
Last summer, the Premier League hosted a six-team summer series in the USA, involving Chelsea, Newcastle, Brighton, Fulham, Aston Villa and Brentford.
Fifa also asked if Fifpro and the WLA had been in touch with other bodies, given their games “are responsible for a fractional amount of the total elite club games around the world”.
“While we disagree with the tenor and content of your letter, we have nonetheless taken note of your concerns and are more than happy to invite you to discuss the matter further at a time convenient to you,” Fifa added.
-BBC
CLUB WORLD CUP
Mamelodi Sundowns and ES Tunis qualify for Club World Cup
South African and Tunisian clubs become latest teams to secure their places at the global tournament which takes place in the United States.
Mamelodi Sundowns and ES Tunis have become the third and fourth CAF teams to book their tickets to the inaugural Mundial de Clubes FIFA 25™ (FIFA Club World Cup 2025™), completing the list of qualifiers from Africa.
With previous winners Al Ahly of Egypt through to the CAF Champions League final once again, both the South African side and the Tunisian outfit are now guaranteed a ticket to the FIFA Club World Cup via the ranking pathway at least.
The new 32-team competition, which will take place in the United States during June and July 2025, features clubs from each of the six confederations competing for the title of world champions.
With four spots at the FIFA Club World Cup for CAF teams, Al Ahly – the winners of the 2020/21 and 2022/23 CAF Champions League – had secured one place, while 2021/22 edition champions Wydad claimed another.
There is still the opportunity for ES Tunis to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup as continental champions, as they will meet Al Ahly in the two-legged CAF Champions League final on 18 May and 25 May.
And in this instance, Mamelodi Sundowns would join them in booking a ticket to the USA next summer via the ranking pathway, despite their semi-final exit, due to their CAF Champions League performances over the past four seasons.
Should Al Ahly win the CAF Champions League – which would be their third continental title over the past four seasons – they would be joined by both Mamelodi Sundowns and ES Tunis at the FIFA Club World Cup via the ranking pathway.
This is because, in the event of a club winning two or more editions of the confederation’s premier club competition during the 2021-2024 period, the ranking pathway will be used to grant access.
Clubs that have qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Africa (CAF)
Wydad (Morocco)
Al Ahly (Egypt)
Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
ES Tunis (Tunisia)
Asia (AFC)
Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
Ulsan HD FC (Korea Republic)
Europe (UEFA)
Chelsea (England)
Real Madrid (Spain)
Manchester City (England)
Bayern Munich (Germany)
Paris Saint-Germain (France)
Inter Milan (Italy)
Porto (Portugal)
Benfica (Portugal)
Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
Juventus (Italy)
Atletico Madrid (Spain)
FC Salzburg (Austria)
North & Central America, Caribbean (Concacaf)
Monterrey (Mexico)
Seattle Sounders (United States)
Club Leon (Mexico)
Oceania (OFC)
Auckland City (New Zealand)
South America (CONMEBOL)
Palmeiras (Brazil)
Flamengo (Brazil)
Fluminense (Brazil)
CLUB WORLD CUP
Another Big Score For Morocco As Club World Cup Opening Ceremony Is Awarded Best Ceremony –
The opening ceremony of the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, which took place in Morocco last year has won the Best Ceremony Prize at the HEAVENT AWARDS 2024 held in Cannes, France.
The HEAVENT AWARDS organization selected the ceremony, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, among the best nominated works alongside other opening ceremonies of international sporting events before awarding it the prize for Best Ceremony.
This world award recognizes Moroccan talent and creativity that made it possible to achieve an opening ceremony of international scope. It also demonstrates Morocco’s ability to successfully organize the largest global events in all areas.
The ceremony, which was held at the Ibn Battuta Stadium in Tangier, fascinated spectators around the world with its unique artistic performances that highlighted Moroccan heritage and its openness to the world.
The ceremony paid tribute to the famous Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta, a symbol of the link between cultures and peoples, and his travels that contributed to Morocco’s opening to the world.
Moroccan folk troupes also presented artistic displays reflecting the richness and authenticity of Moroccan heritage.
The ceremony also paid tribute to the daughter of football legend Pelé and featured a special appearance by national coach Walid Regragui.
Here are some additional details about the ceremony:
- It was held at the Ibn Battuta Stadium in Tangier, Morocco.
- It featured artistic performances that highlighted Moroccan heritage and its openness to the world.
- It paid tribute to the famous Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta.
- It featured Moroccan folk troupes presenting artistic displays reflecting the richness and authenticity of Moroccan heritage.
- It paid tribute to the daughter of football legend Pelé.
- It featured a special appearance by national coach Walid Regragui.
The HEAVENT AWARDS are a prestigious international event that recognizes excellence in the event industry.
The awards are held annually in Cannes, France, and attract some of the biggest names in the event industry from around the world.
The award for Best Ceremony is one of the most coveted awards at the HEAVENT AWARDS.
It is a testament to the quality and creativity of the opening ceremony of the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup that it was awarded this prestigious prize.
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