FIFA reportedly rejected a late request from FC Barcelona to join the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
A spot had opened up in the tournament after Mexican outfit Club Leon were removed due to multi-ownership rules, as the club are run by the same group that owns Pachuca.
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Leon's spot eventually went to Major League Soccer giants LAFC who defeated Club America in play-in clash recently.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, the Catalan giants offered to throw their name into the hat for the previously vacant spot.
Despite wining three trophies this past season, including LALIGA, the request was denied by the world football governing body.
FIFA only allows two teams from the same country to compete at the newly revamped Club World Cup, although the rule could have been bent if one nation had more had three or more Champions League winners during the qualification period.
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Real Madrid took Spain's first spot after winning the UEFA Champions League in 2022 and 2024, while Atletico Madrid qualified due to their ranking (10th) in UEFA's in UEFA's coefficient table. Barcelona were ranked 12th.
LAFC are now competing in the Club World Cup and will take on Premier League giants Chelsea in their opening game on Monday evening.
