Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that his side will compete in next year’s FIFA Club World Cup, despite the Italian saying the club would “refuse the invitation”.

“In my interview with Il Giornale, my words about the FIFA Club World Cup have not been interpreted in the way I intended,” Ancelotti posted on X.

“Nothing could be further from my interest than to reject the possibility of playing in a tournament that I consider to be a great opportunity to continue fighting for great titles with Real Madrid.”

In the Il Giornale on Monday, Ancelotti was quoted as stating that “players and clubs will not participate” in the new competition.

“A single Real Madrid match is worth 20 million euros and FIFA wants to give us this amount for the entire Cup,” he is quoted as saying. “So no. Like us, other clubs will refuse the invitation.”

Real Madrid was also quick to separate themselves from the comments. Under Ancelotti, the team won the La Liga title last season in addition to their 15th European Cup and Champions League triumph.

“Real Madrid C. F. would like to announce that at no time has there been any question regarding our participation in the new Club World Cup to be organised by FIFA in the coming 2024/2025 season,” the club said in a statement on its website.

“Our club will therefore take part, as planned, in this official competition and we are proud and excited to be involved in it and we will once again inspire our millions of fans all over the world with another trophy.”

It is planned that the 32-team Club World Cup would grow to take place in the summer of next year, adding to the already packed schedule for players.

FIFA has been alerted by the Professional Footballers’ Association of England about the possibility of a player walkout.

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