Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : A major controversy is brewing over FIFA's newly expanded Club World Cup, as Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Portuguese giants FC Porto are reportedly exploring legal action after being excluded from the lucrative 32-team tournament. Both clubs believe they were unfairly denied a spot in the competition, which is set to debut in the United States in 2025.
The dispute centers on the controversial qualification pathways established by world football's governing body. The tournament promises tens of millions of dollars in prize money for participating clubs, making qualification a high-stakes affair.
FC Porto's grievance stems from the European qualification process. They argue that their UEFA club coefficient ranking should have secured them one of the final spots. However, due to what they perceive as a questionable interpretation of the rules, the place was awarded to Austria's Red Bull Salzburg instead, leaving the Portuguese club feeling cheated.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami's case highlights a different issue. As a team from the host nation, they expected to receive a dedicated host spot. This seemed especially logical given the massive commercial appeal of Lionel Messi, arguably the world's most famous player, participating in a major FIFA event on US soil. Instead, FIFA reallocated the host country's spot to a team from another confederation, a decision that has left the MLS club considering a formal legal challenge.
The situation adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding the tournament's qualification process, with Juventus also securing a spot over Napoli in contentious circumstances. With two major clubs now threatening a legal fight, FIFA faces a significant challenge to the credibility and fairness of its flagship club event before a single ball has even been kicked.
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