FILE - Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo gestures to the crowd after winning the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Portugal and Denmark, at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, March 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca, File)
Club World Cup teams can use exceptional transfer windows to bring players to US
GENEVA (AP) 鈥 Last-minute transfer signings are open to all 32 teams going to the Club World Cup in the United States next month, FIFA said Wednesday, likely fueling more speculation that one of them will try to sign Cristiano Ronaldo on a short-term deal.
FILE - Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo gestures to the crowd after winning the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Portugal and Denmark, at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, March 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca, File)
GENEVA (AP) 鈥 Last-minute transfer signings are open to all 32 teams going to the Club World Cup in the United States next month, FIFA said Wednesday, likely fueling more speculation that one of them will try to sign Cristiano Ronaldo on a short-term deal.
FIFA confirmed all 20 home national federations of the 32 teams have taken up an offer made last year to approve special trading windows for the monthlong tournament that opens June 14 in Miami.
Transfers can be made from June 1-10 and again June 27-July 3 according to exceptional rules
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
鈥淭he objective is to encourage clubs and players whose contracts are expiring to find an appropriate solution to facilitate the players鈥 participation,鈥 FIFA said in Wednesday’s statement.
One such player is , who is leaving Liverpool where his contract expires on June 30. He is expected to join Real Madrid which could try to reach agreement to take him to the U.S. next month. Liverpool did not qualify for the Club World Cup.
Ronaldo鈥檚 Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr also did not qualify because it did not win an Asian Champions League title between 2021 and 2024.
That has not stopped speculation the 40-year-old Portugal great could make a transfer, potentially on a short-term loan, ahead of the Club World Cup.
Such a move would be unprecedented in modern soccer though could appeal to FIFA by boosting the profile and ticket sales of an inaugural tournament being played in 11 U.S. cities. It has been unclear if many fans of the teams will travel to the U.S. for the 63-game tournament.
A transfer for Ronaldo also would reunite him and Lionel Messi in the same competition for the first time since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Last October, to enter the tournament in the slot that was expected to be reserved for the host nation鈥檚 champion. Inter Miami led the regular season standings but was then eliminated in the MLS Cup playoffs.
Speculative reports have linked Ronaldo to the one Saudi club that qualified, Al Hilal, the Brazilian club Palmeiras and , even though that club is currently banned by FIFA from registering new signings.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has promoted the Club World Cup at recent meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump, and the new gold trophy has been prominent in the Oval Office at the White House.
Conversations are opinions of our readers and are subject to the Community Guidelines. 海角社区官网Star does not endorse these opinions.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation
FIRST UP
Get our free morning newsletter
Error! There was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
FIRST UP
You're signed up! You'll start getting First Up in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from the Star? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
EMAIL NEWS ALERTS
When big news breaks, don鈥檛 miss it with our free alerts
Error! There was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
EMAIL NEWS ALERTS
You're signed up! You'll start getting news alerts in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from the Star? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
Camp is a place where unexpected fun leads to unleashed potential.
With your support, The 海角社区官网Star Fresh Air Fund provides opportunities for financially vulnerable children to ignite a lifelong love for adventure at camp. Above all, your kindness makes it happen.
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation