FIFA makes shocking decision on Club World Cup spots, Barcelona and Man City advance straight

FIFA has disqualified Mexico's Club Leon for violating the "multiple owners" rule. The club is owned by the same Mexican club Pachuca, which is also participating in the Club World Cup. Club Leon has now filed a lawsuit with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

FIFA's Club World Cup has a huge prize pool of up to 1 billion USD, so clubs are eager to participate.

Photo: Reuters

While waiting for a decision on Club Leon's lawsuit, a FIFA spokesman confirmed that the world football body is considering holding a decisive match between Club America and Los Angeles FC for the final Club World Cup spot, if the Mexican team loses the lawsuit.

Club America (Mexico) and Los Angeles FC (USA) are both in the CONCACAF region and are ranked high in the club rankings in this region. Last season, Club America won the Liga MX (Mexico), while Los Angeles FC won the US Open Cup and was runner-up in the Leagues Cup.

If this plan is implemented, the winner of the match between Club America and Los Angeles FC will enter Group D with Chelsea, Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia) and Flamengo (Brazil) at the Club World Cup taking place from June 14 to July 13 in the US.

FIFA has previously officially confirmed that the Club World Cup has a record prize money of up to 1 billion USD. Of which, the largest part is 525 million USD, which will be divided among all participating clubs. The remaining 475 million USD will be divided based on competition results. Club Leon's disqualification has caused the team to lose a significant source of income. Therefore, they are still determined to appeal to CAS in the hope of overturning FIFA's decision.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles FC, with top stars such as veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and striker Olivier Giroud, unexpectedly have the opportunity to compete in FIFA's biggest tournament at the club level.

Man City into FA Cup semi-finals, focus on winning Club World Cup

On March 30, Man City defeated Bournemouth 2-1 thanks to goals from Haaland and Marmoush, to enter the FA Cup semi-finals against Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile, the other pair Crystal Palace met Aston Villa (who beat 2nd division Preston 3-0). The FA Cup semi-finals will be played on April 26 and 27.

Man City must win the FA Cup and Club World Cup to be able to console themselves after a disappointing season.

Photo: Reuters

For Man City, the FA Cup is the last chance for them to win a championship in a disappointing season on many fronts.

According to coach Pep Guardiola: "If Man City win the FA Cup, it will still not be enough to overcome all disappointments. We still have to fight for the top 4 of the Premier League and win the Club World Cup, if we succeed, then we can be somewhat comforted after a season with many bad things."

In La Liga, Barcelona easily beat Girona 4-1, with striker Robert Lewandowski scoring a double, to regain the top spot with 66 points, 3 points ahead of Real Madrid and 9 points ahead of 3rd-place Atletico Madrid.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/fifa-quyet-dinh-gay-soc-ve-suat-du-club-world-cup-barcelona-va-man-city-thang-tien-185250331081001461.htm