LaLiga

Tebas Vows To Eliminate Club World Cup, Citing Ecosystem Threat

Javier Tebas is seemingly determined not to make FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s Christmas card list, as his criticisms of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup are becoming increasingly vitriolic. But here’s the thing – he might actually have a point.

Last week, the La Liga president called the tournament “completely absurd”, and at an event at the ESADE Business School in Madrid, he didn’t hold back: “My objective is that there will be no more Club World Cups. I’m very clear about that.”

“There is no room for it. There is no need for another competition that moves money towards the [same] clubs and players. The model affects the entire ecosystem of national leagues, especially in Europe, and there’s no more money in the world of audiovisual rights.”

Now, before we dismiss this as typical Tebas grandstanding, because he does love a. camera and microphone, let’s examine what he’s actually saying. Tebas has played a major role in building La Liga into one of the world’s most successful domestic competitions, and his concerns about fixture congestion aren’t exactly groundless.

“We have to maintain the ecosystem we have already and eliminate it. Keep [the Club World Cup] as it was before, when it was played basically over one weekend and that was that. There are no available dates.”

Here’s where Tebas makes his strongest argument. The football calendar is already bursting at the seams. Pre-seasons are shrinking, winter breaks are disappearing, and players are openly talking about strike action over workload.

Two Spanish clubs are representing La Liga in the form of Madrid rivals Atlético and Real Madrid, which is where Tebas’ frustration gets ratcheted up to eleven. And you can understand why – he’s watching his prized assets get pulled into yet another FIFA competition that could potentially impact their domestic form and availability.

“It’s not just about the physical wear and tear on the players, which is obvious, but the Club World Cup model affects the entire ecosystem of national leagues, especially in Europe.”

But here’s the flip side. FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup represents a genuine attempt to globalise the game beyond Europe’s traditional strongholds. For clubs from Asia, Africa, and the Americas, this tournament offers exposure and revenue streams that could transform their entire operations.

The tournament also addresses a glaring inequality in world football. While European clubs hoover up the lion’s share of global revenues through the Champions League, clubs from other continents are left fighting for scraps. The expanded Club World Cup, with its significant prize money and global audience, could help level that playing field – even if only slightly.

What we’re really witnessing is a clash between established power and emerging opportunity. Tebas represents the old guard – European leagues that have grown fat on their own success and see any new competition as a threat to their dominance. FIFA, for all its flaws, is trying to create something that serves the global game rather than just the European elite.

The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. Tebas is right about fixture congestion and player welfare – these are real issues that need addressing. But his solution of maintaining the status quo essentially means keeping the rest of the world locked out of football’s biggest paydays.

This is a saga that will not be ending anytime soon.

Insideworldfootball.com

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LaLiga

Barca’s Rashford Hopes Rise As Turkish Club Withdraws

Barcelona remain fully engaged in their search for the winger that Hansi Flick has requested to strengthen the squad. The two main targets being pursued by the club’s sporting department are Luis Diaz and Marcus Rashford.

Bayern Munich are pushing hard for the Liverpool winger, and securing his signature will not be easy given the German club’s strong financial position.

As such, reports today suggested that Rashford had now become the priority target for the La Liga champions, who were now ready to go all in for him.

However, Fenerbahce in Turkey were also said to be admirers of the Manchester United forward, with their manager Jose Mourinho seemingly keen on a reunion.

Fenerbahce drop out of Rashford race
But, as per the latest update from MARCA, Mourinho has ruled out signing Rashford for Fenerbahce, which comes as a big boost for Barcelona.

Despite considering the option seriously, the Portuguese tactician has decided against a move for his former ward from Manchester United.

Mourinho previously coached Rashford during his time at Manchester United between 2016 and 2018. The Portuguese manager placed full trust in the young forward, who had just been promoted to the first team.

During his time at Old Trafford, Mourinho used Rashford in 125 games, during which the forward netted 28 goals and chalked up 20 assists.

Despite their past working relationship, signing Rashford is currently unrealistic for Mourinho’s Fenerbahce due to the player’s high wages – he earns €18 million per season – and because the forward’s preferred destination is Barcelona.

As a result, a move to Turkey has been definitively ruled out, with the 27-year-old attacker holding out for a transfer to Catalonia.

Barcauniversal.com

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LaLiga

“We All Make Mistakes!”: Szczesny Sports New Blonde Look With Barca Teammates

What is going on?!

Wojciech Szczesny is known for being a bit of a joker and has been having some fun on social media after seeing some of his team-mates show off new looks.

Gavi, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski have all gone blonde recently, and it looks like Szczesny has decided he wants a bit of the action as well.

He’s posted a picture of himself showing off a new blonde haircut with the caption “we all make mistakes….” and tagged his team-mates in the post.

It’s good to see the Barca boys having some fun as they prepare to get back to work for another season with the Catalans.

Szczesny will be back with the squad, after signing a two-year contract extension, but is expected to play back-up to new signing Joan Garcia.

In the meantime, we’ll have to wait and see if any more players decide to join Lewandowski, Szczesny, Yamal and Gavi in Barca’s blonde club.

Barcablaugranes.com

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LaLiga

Barca Captain Ter Stegen To Meet Flick After Deco Talks

Earlier today, FC Barcelona captain and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen arrived at the Ciutat Esportiva after his vacation as the team gears up for the start of pre-season on Sunday.

Ter Stegen returns with a cloud of uncertainty hanging over his future, considering that Barça have signed Joan Garcia to become their new No. 1.

The German international, though, has been firm on his refusal to leave the club despite the threat of being relegated to the third-choice goalkeeper behind Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny.

Ter Stegen to meet Hansi Flick tomorrow
Now, according to journalist Laia Tudel on Catalunya Radio, Ter Stegen is set to meet with Barcelona manager Hansi Flick tomorrow to discuss his future.

As per the update, the 33-year-old already met with the Blaugrana sporting director at the club facilities today and will speak with the manager on Friday.

Barcelona, for their part, are eager to offload Ter Stegen, given that they will be freeing up a huge chunk of their salary space.

However, at this point, the Blaugrana are not planning to take any drastic actions or extreme measures.

Instead, they will explain the situation to their captain and make it clear that there is competition for places, and he will have to fight to earn it.

Ter Stegen still has three years left on his contract with Barcelona and is willing to fight for his place in the team. The German’s idea is to revisit the situation and assess his prospects in January.

Tomorrow’s meeting with Flick will be crucial with regard to how the entire matter unfolds and whether Ter Stegen stays or accepts to move on from the club.

Barcauniversal.com

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