Real Madrid News
Real Madrid learn possible dates and venue for the FIFA Club World Cup
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid have learnt the possible dates and venue for the FIFA Club World Cup.
The tournament that pits champions of continental club competitions against one another usually is held in December. But with the FIFA World Cup in Qatar occupying the calendar this year, the Club World Cup has been postponed by football’s governing body.
And, so far, an official announcement of the dates and the possible venues is yet to be made, with very little information emerging on the schedule of the Club World Cup.
But, as per the aforementioned report, the FIFA Club World Cup could be held in Abu Dhabi from February 1 to February 11 in 2023.
Real Madrid have qualified for the tournament after winning the UEFA Champions League last season. The Merengues will be the representatives of Europe at the Club World Cup and will enter the competition in the semi-final stages.
Real Madrid are the most successful team when it comes to the FIFA Club World Cup, having won the competition a record four times.
Apart from Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Brazilian giants Flamengo have also qualified for the tournament after winning the Copa Libertadores while MLS outfit Seattle Sounders and Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca have also made it to the FIFA Club World Cup along with Auckland City from New Zealand.
As things stand, Abu Dhabi (UAE) is being seen as the venue for the FIFA Club World Cup, although the possibility of taking the tournament to the USA has been discussed in the past.
The report claims that all participating clubs have been sent a dossier of information by FIFA. Although, it remains to be seen when an official announcement is made.
Marco Asensio is fighting for his future at Real Madrid. The 27-year-old winger is out of contract at the end of the season and there is no concrete decision made by the club over his renewal as of yet.
Some reports had suggested that the club had tabled an offer worth €4 million per year, which the Spaniard did not like as he sought a higher pay packet closer to around €6 million-a-year.
With his future a subject of intense speculation, Asensio had been linked with a move away to Premier League clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool.
Meanwhile, closer to home, there were strong links to Real Madrid’s arch-rivals Barcelona. Indeed, the Catalans have been touted as potential suitors for Asensio for quite some time now due to the fact that he is represented by Jorge Mendes.
The superagent has close ties with Barcelona president Joan Laporta and reports in Spain have suggested that the Real Madrid winger has, indeed, been offered to the current La Liga leaders.
Amidst these speculations, however, Asensio has seemingly made it clear as to where his heart lies as he awaits a decision on his future.
During last night’s El Clasico against Barcelona, the Real Madrid winger came on as a substitute and went on to score a goal, following which he celebrated at Camp Nou, pointing to the Real Madrid logo on his shirt, showing where his allegiances lie.
The goal, however, was disallowed by the VAR, and Los Blancos ended up losing the game 2-1 thanks to a stoppage-time winner by Franck Kessie.
Earlier today, Asensio took to Instagram and posted a picture of him celebrating with his finger pointing to the Real Madrid logo, reiterating his commitment to the club amidst the links to Barcelona.
As for his disallowed goal, it sparked an angry reaction from Carlo Ancelotti, who questioned the legitimacy of the decision made by the VAR during his post-match press conference.
