The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has issued a stern warning to Al-Ahly and all clubs set to compete in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, highlighting strict regulations and potential sanctions.
This edition, scheduled to take place in the United States from 15 June to 13 July 2025, will feature an expanded roster of 32 teams for the first time, including notable clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City.
In an official statement, FIFA clarified that clubs failing to adhere to the tournament’s guidelines would face substantial penalties.
Among the requirements, the statement emphasized adherence to specific operational and financial rules, with a particular focus on discouraging team withdrawals.
Any club, including Al-Ahly, that withdraws from the tournament 30 days or more before its start would incur a penalty of €250,000, while withdrawals within 30 days or during the tournament would lead to a fine of €500,000.
FIFA’s regulations for the upcoming Club World Cup also address ownership and management conflicts.
Teams participating in the tournament cannot hold ownership stakes or manage shares in any other competing club.
Furthermore, no official from one participating club may hold a managerial position or any form of authority in another club involved in the competition.
FIFA has stressed that these measures aim to maintain integrity and competitive fairness across all levels of the tournament.
The 2025 Club World Cup will divide the 32 participating teams into eight groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stages.
As per FIFA’s guidelines, each club must submit a squad list of at least 26 players, with a maximum of 35 allowed.
FIFA’s commitment to these new protocols underscores the organization’s determination to ensure fair play and professional conduct in what promises to be a landmark tournament under the revised Club World Cup format.
