FC Barcelona has lost the chance to earn at least $54 million (€50 million), and possibly far more, by failing to qualify for this summer’s Club World Cup.
Real Madrid took the first of two Spanish spots in the new look tournament, which used to be a December affair containing just a few teams that won continental trophies.
Next summer in the United States, however, 32 outfits from various countries will do battle with prize money of $1 billion on offer which FIFA confirmed this week as reported by many outlets including The Guardian.
MARCA swiftly revealed that Real Madrid has $38 million (€35 million) guaranteed just for participation while the other team which took the second of two Spanish berths, and therefore Barca’s place, Atletico Madrid will be in line for $21.7 million (€20 million).
With Atleti already drawn into a group with Paris Saint-Germain, Botafogo and Seattle Sounders, it’s perhaps safe to presume that Barca would hypothetically advance to the knockout phase as the top two will.
Victories are worth $2 million each, bringing the total to $27 million if Barca won all of its group games, and qualification to the last 16 guarantees a further $7.5 million (€7 million) according to MARCA or roughly $34.5 million.
SPORT reported that participating and reaching the knockout phase is worth $54 million (€50 million) in total for Atleti. But whatever the true figures are, it’s clear that Barca has missed out on a windfall.
MARCA further said that reaching the quarterfinals provides $13 million (€12 million), the semifinals $21.6 million (€20 million) and the final $30 million (€28 million).
Whoever wins gets another $40 million (€37 million), and it’s not pipe dreams to say that Hansi Flick’s La Liga leaders would have a decent chance of going all the way on American soil.
At the same time, there are concerns about how fatigued players that participate in the Club World Cup will be for the 2025/2026 European club season, especially after having played for their countries in competitions like the Euros and Copa America last summer.
Though cash-strapped Barca could do with lining its coffers, a rest might also do Flick’s men some good as he too has already said.