Inter Miami have controversially been handed a top seeding for next month’s Club World Cup draw despite crashing out of the MLS Playoffs.
Lionel Messi inspired his team to a record-breaking regular season performance.
But Atlanta United pulled off a massive upset to dump the overwhelming favorites out of the MLS Cup race.
Next summer’s Club World Cup is being held in the US and FIFA president Gianni Infantino has awarded the host nation place to Miami.
According to The Times, the A1 slot that has been reserved for David Beckham‘s franchise would usually see it named among the top seeds and selected to open the tournament.
FIFA is yet to announce who will be the top eight teams in the draw on December 5 with Premier League rivals Manchester City and Chelsea among the star names.
Infantino made his announcement after Miami won the MLS Supporters’ Shield with a record points haul.
Controversially, FIFA did not reveal its qualification criteria and critics claim the governing body is desperate for Messi to be involved to boost viewing figures.
The decision has come under increased scrutiny now it has been confirmed that Miami will not be crowned champion.
While the Club World Cup is a boost, Major League Soccer was the goal and Manchester United legend Gary Neville says he is gutted for his former teammate Beckham.
“I was really disappointed for them because when you see that sort of level of performance that they put in in the league but that’s the nature of cup football, of playoff football,” he said on his It’s Called Soccer podcast.
“That idea, that jeopardy, that exists within a one-off match where anything can happen and that’s sport.
“It’s a different completely skill set being consistent over a long period of time and then raising your game for a one-off amazing performance, which obviously is what happened in this particular game.
“It has shook me, obviously it will have shaken Miami as well and I’m gutted for Becks because I know that that was something that was really close to his heart.
“This year they’ve done brilliantly in the league during the season and then this happens.
“But look, next year, sport and football always give you another chance.”
Host Rebecca Lowe closed the segment by circling back to Infantino’s decision.
“Penny for Gianni Infantino’s thoughts,” she said.
“I’m sure he won’t even be worried about it.
“But yes, that does definitely add to the controversy around their inclusion in the Club World Cup next year now that they, of course, are definitely not going to be MLS champions.”
