In an unexpected turn that has shaken the foundations of international football, Enrique Cerezo, president of Atlético de Madrid, has sent a fulminant and direct message to FIFA, demanding that FC Barcelona be excluded from the next club World Cup. In a moment of great tension, Cerezo pronounced nine words that have gone around the world of sport: “If Barcelona plays, we will not be in the World Cup.”
The statement has been considered an open Boicot threat by Atlético, and has caused a wave of reactions both nationally and internationally. The rojiblanco president expressed his deep outrage at what he considers a lack of sports equity and a comparative grievance against other clubs.
Cerezo, who in recent months has maintained a discreet profile, surprised everyone by breaking into the debate with an uncompromising and determined position. According to sources close to the mattress club, the discomfort comes from the decision of the FIFA to invite FC Barcelona to the tournament, despite the ongoing legal investigations and questions that weigh on the Barça entity, especially around the so -called “Negreira case”, which is still being analysis by the Spanish justice.
“You cannot reward a club that is being investigated for serious irregularities, while others have met all ethical and sports requirements to be there,” said cherry tree in private, according to information filtered to sports media. The public phrase of the nine words was only the beginning of an institutional pressure that could climb in the coming weeks.
The FIFA response was swift. In a statement released hours later, the president of the top world football agency, Gianni Infantino, replied forcefully, remembering that FIFA acts based on principles of inclusion, presumption of innocence and sports meritocracy. “No club will be excluded by external pressures or public statements. Decisions are made based on technical and legal criteria, not threats,” said Infantino.
The forcefulness of the message left Cerezo without immediate arguments. According to some journalists present at the headquarters of Atlético de Madrid, the club president chose to remain silent after knowing the official response, and refused to offer more statements on the matter.
The conflict opens a new front in the already tense relationship between some Spanish clubs and the organizations that govern football internationally. For months, a climate of distrust between several LaLiga and FIFA teams, aggravated by decisions related to calendars, income distribution and, now, the selection criteria for the renewed World Clubs, which will have 32 teams and will be held in 2025.
Meanwhile, FC Barcelona, focus of the controversy, has not made official comments. However, from the club’s environment a mixture of serenity and firmness is perceived. Directors of the Catalan team ensure that their participation in the World Cup is fully justified by the sports merits accumulated in recent seasons, and that actively collaborate with the authorities to clarify any pending legal issue.
The silence of Barcelona contrasts with Cerezo’s vehemence, whose position has polarized public opinion. In social networks, fans of Atlético de Madrid have shown support to its president, praising their courage to “defend sports justice.” However, there have also been criticism, especially neutral and Barcelona followers, who see in Cerezo’s attitude an attempt to manipulate institutions to obtain competitive advantage.
In the international football community, the news has generated impact. Analysts from various countries have discussed if it is legitimate to demand the exclusion of a club as long as there is no final sentence against it. The majority agree that FIFA cannot act by media or political pressure, and that any measure must have legal support.
Some sports law experts have also warned that, if FIFA came to exclude FC Barcelona without a solid legal basis, they could face an appeal before the Court of Sports Arbitration (TAS), which would add even more complexity to the matter.
In parallel, other European clubs observe the development of caution events. It is speculated that if the scale conflict could be an institutional fracture within the organization of the Club World Cup, in a context already complicated by the tensions between UEFA, FIFA and the promoters of the Super League.
In summary, Enrique Cerezo’s nine words have triggered an earthquake in elite football. Although the FIFA response seems to close the door to its demand, the media and political pressure will continue to increase as the tournament date approaches. What seemed a simple question of guest list has become a new chapter of the eternal debate between justice, power and football.
