Players set to feature at the expanded FIFA Club World Cup next summer have asked for clarity on contracts set to expire midway through the tournament, reports claim.
A number of lucrative deals are currently due to run down at the end of June, during the controversial new-look competition, bizarrely leaving big names in limbo.Â
The 32-team showpiece will take place over June and July 2025 at venues in the eastern United States and beyond but has been met with a wave of fierce criticism for adding even more games to an already relentless calendar.
Chelsea and Manchester City are the Premier League’s two representatives and Kevin De Bruyne, the latter’s talisman, is one of those facing an uncertain future.
Indeed, the midfielder’s deal will expire on June 30, the year end for registrations recognised globally by FIFA, and this date falls inside the Club World Cup.
Kevin De Bruyne is one of the players whose contract may expire during the Club World Cup
FIFA’s expanded 32-team tournament will take place across June and July next year
According to The Telegraph, multiple players at clubs set to take part have requested clarification on their contract status for the tournament.
Real Madrid trio Dani Carvajal, Luka Modric and Lucas Vasquez also run the risk of being prevented from competing as a result of their expiring deals.
Players have typically already reached a decision on their futures and whether to become a free agent before June and this may mean that those who opt against signing an extension will be barred from playing in the competition.Â
Bayern Munich are also faced with the same problem as Madrid and City with Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Alphonso Davies, Eric Dier and back-up goalkeeper Sven Ulreich all out of contract at the end of June.Â
One source told Telegraph Sport: ‘If this had been held last summer, Kylian Mbappe would have started the Club World Cup playing for PSG and ended it at Real Madrid.’
Competitive club football is not usually played in June and July, when decisions over contracts are made en masse, meaning players running out of deals mid-tournament is not a dilemma the sport’s governing bodies have faced before.
There are legal hurdles surrounding free agents, including their salary and insurance.
Real Madrid may be without Luka Modric with his deal also currently up next summer
Bayern Munich and Joshua Kimmich face a similar headache due to the Club World Cup’s dates
FIFA have not confirmed the schedule for the Club World Cup and the host cities and broadcast partnerships also remain a mystery. However, the knockout round is likely to start at the beginning of July – after players’ contracts have ticked down.
The competition will conclude with a final on July 13.
FIFA will also still go ahead with the annual short-form version of the Club World Cup, which has now been rebrand as the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. The mini tournament will take place in mid-December with Real Madrid’s spot confirmed.
Manchester City lifted the trophy last season in Saudi Arabia.
