INTER MIAMI’S addition to the Club World Cup has left Major League Soccer rivals furious with Fifa.
Gianni Infantino, the Fifa president, announced this week that David Beckham’s MLS franchise will take the America host nation spot for next summer’s controversial tournament.
Infantino pointed to Inter Miami winning the Supporters Shield, awarded to the club who perform the best over the regular season, as the reason for their qualification.
The actual MLS champion is decided through the play-offs.
But with the reason for Miami’s inclusion not given before they lifted the trophy, their rivals have accused Fifa of having no clear qualification criteria.
And they claim they have jumped the gun simply to ensure that Lionel Messi is involved in the revamped 32-team tournament.
Seattle Sounders are the other team from the US involved and they booked their spot having won the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2022.
Fifa had been in discussions with MLS over criteria this season, before deciding on the Supporters Shield winner at their Council meeting on October 3 – the day after Miami sealed the title.
MLS insist all decision-making around the final slot was dealt with by the world governing body.
Not only have Beckham’s boys been given the host nation spot, but they will also play in the curtain raiser in Miami on June 15.
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Other clubs have always felt that Miami have had special treatment from the league due to their high profile stars – something which has always been denied.
Four ex-Barcelona legends are in the squad – Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
Their success on the pitch this season, setting a points record for the regular season, gives officials a simple answer when questions are asked.
Elite European sides like Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, PSG, Inter Milan, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are all in the Club World Cup.
