The decision by FIFA to include Inter Miami in the Club World Cup has sparked a controversy within Major League Soccer.
Gianni Infantino revealed on Sunday that David Beckham's franchise will be one of the 32 teams competing from June 15 to July 13 in the US.
Inter Miami secured the host nation spot even though FIFA had not clarified the selection criteria beforehand.
The team qualified on the merit of winning the Supporters' Shield for having the best regular season record in MLS, amassing 74 points and breaking previous league records. They will now progress to the MLS playoffs, which determine the actual champions, but have also nabbed the spotlight for next summer's major event.
Not only is Miami participating, but they're also set to host the opening game of the tournament. "Miami loves football, the world loves football and the world loves Miami. So I have three things to tell you," Infantino announced at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale following Inter Miami's victory over New England Revolution, reports the Mirror.
"The first: many congratulations for winning the Supporters' Shield. And on top, with the record of points in Major League Soccer. Congratulations, you are the best team of the season in America. Second, based on this outstanding performance of this year you deserve to be, and you will be, for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
"And third, as the host team of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, you will have the honour of opening the tournament by hosting the opening game here in Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium in front of 65,000 people and tens of millions at home."
Infantino expressed his pleasure in revealing the news to Inter Miami supporters following their triumph as MLS Eastern Conference champions. However, the decision has sparked controversy among other MLS teams, who have levelled accusations of favouritism against FIFA.
The Club World Cup has struggled to attract broadcaster interest, with rights bids being notably absent, and Messi's involvement is seen as a significant draw. Discontent has been brewing among fans of rival clubs, who perceive unfair treatment in comparison to Beckham's high-profile franchise.
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One supporter voiced their frustration on Twitter: "They just need Messi in the tournament. Can't fault them for wanting that but the lack of process for this was pretty ridiculous". Another chimed in with a cynical take: "The criteria was always the same. Whichever team had Lionel Messi was gonna qualify".
A third commenter made their feelings clear: "Even if Miami had the worst season of their history, they would have still gotten the spot. The fact that there was no criteria to get the spot means that FIFA and the MLS intended to ask Miami to fill in the final spot, they just needed a good excuse."
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