Speaking at an event, the Brazilian forward asserted that it is embarrassing for players to be coerced by football authorities into participating in the inaugural tournament.
He stated that the fact players are giving up their holidays to participate shows a lack of seriousness, and players would not agree to the schedule if consulted earlier.
“Club World Cup? It’s a shame to give up my holiday to play something you’re forced to play. At no point were the players asked about the dates if they wanted to play,” he said, as shared by Barca Universal on X on June 27, 2025.
This comment has sparked a wave of criticism from football fans and pundits worldwide, who believe his comments are derogatory and should be condemned.
They argued that the player is speaking out of jealousy since his club was not selected to participate due to their poor performance in the UEFA Champions League over the past seasons.
Some football pundits rejected his claim, noting that football officials prepare competition schedules and get approval from players and clubs before implementation.
Meanwhile, the FIFA Club World Cup is taking place in the United States, featuring 32 clubs.
There is a significant amount of money allocated to teams for participation, winning games, and the overall champions.
Read the comments below:
I don’t remember anybody asking players’ opinions on when La Liga should start.
But it’s not my business so 🤷♀️🤷🏽♂️ https://t.co/YB84vpojuf
— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) June 27, 2025
If Barcelona were in it..The board will be happy cause of the money it will generate
So stop complaining and play
They pay you for this and you demanded what they are paying you— Chekwube (@hk68079241) June 27, 2025
Bro you’re lying 🤣🤣. Barcelona is not playing some that’s why you’re saying that 🤣
— JNR SUCRE ✞ 𓃵 (@kwame_sucre) June 27, 2025
Man you’re just discrediting it because your team is not there….
Anyone that thinks this competition is not worth it is only talking out of pains that his/ her club isn’t taking part..
Simple as that.. https://t.co/OplriH8CLP— Michael Akomeah (@akomeahmessiah) June 27, 2025
You just mad you’re not there. It can be seen in your sentiment. Because if Barca qualified then obviously his angle will be different.
— “ (@augustmajr) June 28, 2025
Lol.. if Barcelona was there he will not be saying this moreover after the tournament we still have 1 months till season start and player still have 20 days to rest if your team make it to the final
— Reece Dhee (@DaywonC) June 28, 2025
Same competition Laporta begged to be included or which of the club World Cup is he talking about ?
— 𝖌𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖙𝖊𝖘𝖙 (@IDManuel07) June 27, 2025
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
