On Sunday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino revealed that Inter Miami would host the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield.
David Beckham spoke after a game between the Inter Miami and the New England Revolution.(Image by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
FIFA has sparked outrage in Major League Soccer after handing Inter Miami a coveted position in the Club World Cup.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced on Sunday that David Beckham’s club would be one of 32 teams competing in the expanded competition, which will take place across the United States from June 15 to July 13. Despite previous uncertainties about how the host nation spot would be assigned, Inter Miami has been awarded this position.
The decision to allow Miami in the tournament comes after they won the Supporters’ Shield, which is awarded to the MLS team with the best regular-season record. Featuring former Barcelona greats like as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, the squad scored a record-breaking 74 points during the regular season.
While their admission into the MLS play-offs is still pending, Inter Miami has already earned a high-profile role for the next summer. They will not only compete in the Club World Cup, but will also have the honor of hosting the first game.
Infantino emphasized his excitement for the event at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, where he witnessed Inter Miami’s convincing victory over the New England Revolution: “Miami loves football, the world loves football, and the world loves Miami. “So I have three things to tell you,” he announced on the pitch after the match, writes the Mirror.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami shakes the hand of FIFA President Gianni Infantino (Image: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
“First, many congratulations on winning the Supporters’ Shield. On top of that, he holds the Major League Soccer points record. Congratulations, you have the best team of the season in America. Second, based on your exceptional performance this year, you deserve to be, and will be, in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.”
“And third, as the host team of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, you will have the honour of opening the tournament by hosting the opening game here in Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium in front of 65,000 people and tens of millions at home.”
Infantino was overjoyed to inform Inter Miami fans that they had won the MLS Eastern Conference. The decision, however, has generated uproar among other MLS teams, who have accused FIFA of favouritism.
The Club World Cup has struggled to generate broadcaster interest, with corporations hesitant to bid for the rights, and Messi’s involvement is undoubtedly appealing in this aspect. Fans from rival clubs have expressed dissatisfaction with what they see as preferential treatment for Beckham’s high-profile franchise over other teams.
