Manchester City successfully deploys the perfect false number 9 strategy with Bernardo Silva, securing their place in the Club World Cup final after a 3-0 victory over Urawa Red Diamonds in the semi-finals held in Saudi Arabia. The upcoming final on December 23 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium awaits their clash with Fluminense.

 

Despite this triumph, FIFA imposes bans on three key Manchester City players—Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, and Jeremy Doku—preventing them from attending the Club World Cup final.

 

Although they traveled to Saudi Arabia with the team, the trio could only watch from the stands, as FIFA regulations dictate that only players who participated in the semi-finals are eligible for the final.

 

De Bruyne, recovering from hamstring surgery, and Haaland and Doku, absent from recent matches, will miss the opportunity to contribute to Manchester City’s pursuit of their fifth trophy in 2023.