Sat May 24 04:50:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

FIFA President Gianni Infantino suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo could participate in the upcoming Club World Cup, despite his current club, Al Nassr, not qualifying. This sparked controversy, with Ronaldo’s representatives expressing discontent. Infantino alluded to ongoing discussions with clubs interested in potentially “hiring” Ronaldo for the tournament. FIFA has introduced an “exceptional registration window” to facilitate transfers for participating teams. The revamped Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams, will take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13. FIFA is struggling with ticket sales and has dropped prices.

**News Article:**

**Infantino Floats Ronaldo Club World Cup Appearance, Sparks Controversy**

**ZURICH, Switzerland** – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has ignited a firestorm by suggesting Cristiano Ronaldo could play in the expanded Club World Cup this summer, despite his club, Al Nassr, failing to qualify.

Speaking to YouTuber IShowSpeed, Infantino stated, “Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup… There are discussions.” He further elaborated, “There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup…who knows, who knows.”

The comments have reportedly angered Ronaldo’s representatives, who expressed their unhappiness. Ronaldo is currently in negotiations to extend his contract with Al Nassr.

Infantino also hinted at the possibility of a tantalizing Inter Miami vs. Real Madrid matchup, saying, “Maybe, it could be.”

FIFA has implemented an “exceptional registration window” from June 1 to June 10 to allow teams competing in the Club World Cup to complete transfers before the tournament, scheduled to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13. The tournament will feature 32 teams, including Ronaldo’s former clubs Real Madrid and Juventus, as well as Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.

The governing body is grappling with sluggish ticket sales for the tournament, having already dropped prices due to low demand. The controversial comments have added to the speculation surrounding Ronaldo’s future and potentially injected much-needed buzz into a tournament that is already having difficulties finding an audience.

Whether Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner with a prolific career spanning Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al Nassr, will indeed participate remains to be seen. However, Infantino’s remarks have certainly set the stage for a potentially sensational Club World Cup.

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