The president of the FIFA issued an unexpected prohibition directly related to Arda Güler when regulating the age of the players who can participate in the FIFA 2025 World Cup. President Pérez immediately gave an ultimatum to Real Madrid to FIFA!
In a dramatic event that shocked the world of football, the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, announced a controversial age limit for the FIFA 2025 Club World Cup, which directly affected the star of Real Madrid, Arda Güler. The unexpected decision to limit participation to older players of a certain age put at risk the participation of the 20 -year Turkish midfielder in the tournament. In response, the president of Real Madrid, Florentino Pérez, launched an ultimatum to FIFA, intensifying the tensions between the Spanish giant and the governing body of football. This dramatic saga has generated debate about equity, the development of players and the authority of FIFA in the configuration of world football.
The FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States from June to July 2025, is emerging as an innovative event with its expanded 32 teams. The tournament promises to exhibit the best clubs in the world and give young talents like Guler a global scenario to shine. However, the new Infantino regulations, which allegedly prohibits the participation of players under 21, has disrupted these plans. While FIFA has not yet publicly declared the reason for the decision, some sources suggest that the measure seeks to prioritize experienced players to guarantee a competitive balance in this high -risk tournament. However, critics argue that the norm unfairly harms emerging stars such as Gular, who have demonstrated their value both at club level and internationally.
Considered one of the greatest promises of football, Arda Gular joined Real Madrid in 2023 and since then has played 54 games, scoring 11 goals despite the fierce competition for a position. His performances, including a goal and a 3-2 victory assistance in the League against Celta de Vigo on May 4, 2025, have consolidated it as a key figure in the Real Madrid squad. Versatility, game capacity and Gular’s talent have also been praised by the new coach Xabi Alonso, who plans to align him in a deeper role in the midfield during the Club World Cup. The recent contributions of the young Turk to his national team, including a goal against the US team in a friendly on June 8, 2025, further underline his elite preparation.
The age restriction of FIFA has caused outrage among fans and experts, who consider it a direct attack on the development of young talents. Gular, 20, is the type of player that the Club World Cup should celebrate instead of excluding. The norm also raises doubts about FIFA’s commitment to the development of the next generation of stars, especially at a time when the organization seeks a more inclusive and global tournament. The decision has been compared with past controversies, such as FIFA position on the eligibility of players and the tournament regulations, which have often been criticized for their lack of transparency.
Real Madrid, a club that has never shunned the confrontation, responded with the courage that characterizes it. Florentino Pérez, known for his inflexible leadership, launched a public ultimatum to FIFA demanding the withdrawal of the age limit, warning that, otherwise, the club would face a significant negative reaction. Sources close to Real Madrid affirm that Pérez considers the norm a personal insult to Guler, in whom the club has invested a lot as the cornerstone of his future. As reported, the ultimatum includes threats to reconsider the participation of Real Madrid in the Club World Cup, a measure that could damage the prestige of the tournament given the global club status. Pérez’s position is also considered a defense of Guler’s potential, especially at a time of transition in the club, with Xabi Alonso in command and players experienced as Luka Modric approaching at the end of his mandates.
Impasse has broader implications for the world of football. Real Madrid’s challenge could encourage other clubs to challenge the authority of FIFA, especially given the increase in tensions between First Division clubs and guiding organisms in recent years. The debacle of the European Super League, in which Pérez had a prominent role, looms on the horizon as a reminder of the desire to challenge the established powers. Meanwhile, Gular himself has remained a diplomat, expressing his gratitude to Real Madrid’s fans and focusing on his performance. In a recent interview with The Player’s Tribune, he spoke frankly about the difficulties of the shortage of minutes of play with Carlo Ancelotti, but reaffirmed his commitment to the club.
With the 2025 Club World Cup just around the corner, the football community awaits the FIFA response to the Real Madrid ultimatum. Will Firm Infantino remain at the age limit or the pressure of one of the most powerful clubs in the world will force him to rethink his future? For Arda Gular, the result could determine his career as a world star. While excluding it, it runs the risk of suffocating a talent that has already shown that it can compete with the best, allowing him to play could consolidate his place as an icon of the future. For now, the clash between FIFA and Real Madrid highlights how much is at stake in modern football, where talent, ambition and power intermingle on and off the court.
