FIFA considers withdrawing the title of "World Champion" from several clubs
July 24, 2025129 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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Reports have revealed that the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) is considering withdrawing the title of "World Champion" from several clubs that have previously won the FIFA Club World Cup under its previous format, following Chelsea's victory in the latest 2025 edition.
The British newspaper "Daily Mail" reported that FIFA has decided to recognize Chelsea, the winner of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after defeating Paris Saint-Germain 4-0, as the first official world champion in the history of clubs, even though the tournament has been held annually since 2005.
With this decision, previous clubs such as Manchester United (2008), Liverpool (2019), and Manchester City (2023) will be given a new title called "FIFA Intercontinental Champions", which is different from the historical "Intercontinental Cup" that used to be held between the champions of Europe and South America before being merged into the FIFA Club World Cup.
The decision also includes eight other clubs that are no longer recognized as world champions, including Real Madrid, who holds the record for the most tournament victories (5 titles), as well as Barcelona (3 times), Bayern Munich, and Corinthians (twice each).
The list also includes Sao Paulo (2005), Internacional from Brazil (2006), Milan (2007), Inter Milan (2010), and Manchester City (2023).
The 2025 edition, won by Chelsea, is the first under its expanded format featuring 32 clubs, and is considered the true beginning of the FIFA Club World Cup.
