FIFA is reportedly considering changing the way the points are earned, to favor more direct victories.
Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester City have already secured their spots in the next Fifa ‘Club Word Cup’, but who will represent the rest of Europe is still up in the air. As reported by Gazzetta dello Sport, FIFA’s decision is still in stand-by, but it could potentially change the situation in favor of Juventus, distancing the possibility of seeing Milan and Napoli there.
Europe has 12 out of the 32 available spots, with 4 spots guaranteed for the winners of the last 4 editions of the Champions League while the rest will be decided based on the UEFA ranking starting from the 2020/21 season. This ranking awards 2 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 4 points for participating in the Champions League 5 points for reaching the round of 16, and 1 point respectively for the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals.
This scenario would secure Inter and Juventus a spot, with Milan and Napoli chasing the Bianconeri. Given that Juventus currently has 47 points, tied with Ajax and Salzburg, there is still a risk of being overtaken, as Milan and Napoli are respectively 10 and 14 points behind, still in the running for the knockout stage in this year’s edition.
In the corridors of Zurich (FIFA), there is a consideration of changing the criteria to place greater emphasis on victories, awarding 3 points for each win, 1 point for draws, and eliminating the various bonuses tied to advancing in the competition.
Always keeping in mind that each nation can have a maximum of 2 clubs. (which can only be extended in case of winning the Champions League), in this situation Juventus would have 52 points. This change would favor Massimiliano Allegri’s team, making it more challenging for Milan and Napoli to catch up.
Currently, Bayern Munich leads the FIFA rankings with 90 points, followed by Paris Saint-Germain (70) and Inter (65), with Borussia Dortmund and Porto tied at 57, Atletico at 51, and Benfica at 49.
Everything is still a work in progress, and it’s important to remember that this year’s Champions League is still ongoing. However, regardless of FIFA’s decision, this promises to be an exciting race until the end.
