Jeff Stelling Branded 'Ignorant' For His Comments On FIFA Club World Cup

Jeff Stelling has come in for criticism for his comments on the FIFA Club World Cup competition.

Chelsea beat Brazilian giants Palmeiras 2-1 this evening to become champions of the world.

But not for the first time, Stelling downplayed the competition, which is being held in Abu Dhabi this year.

"Arsenal would have been playing Chelsea today but of course they play Palmeiras in the Club World Cup final. A great run to the final, beating Al-Hilal and.... oh, well, nobody else.

"It's not their fault, I'm not blaming Chelsea but the other teams are Al-Ahly, Monterrey, Al-Jazeera and Auckland City. It's a nonsense isn't it, let's be brutally honest.

"Nevertheless we're hoping Chelsea beat Palmeiras, who are the other good side in there."

Stelling's mini-rant caused a stir on social media, with fans feeling as though the Soccer Saturday host was being incredibly ignorant:

Chelsea qualified for the Club World Cup after winning the Champions League for a second time with victory over Manchester City in Porto in the summer.

In their first Club World Cup appearance, the Blues were beaten 1-0 by a Brazilian side and CONMEBOL champions in Corinthians back in 2012.

Copa Libertadores winners Palmeiras have continued the Brazilian tradition of taking the tournament very seriously by bringing no less than 15,000 fans for the final.

Chelsea became the third English club to win the Club World Cup, following on from Manchester United in 2008 and Liverpool in 2019.

Kai Havertz had ice in his veins as he stepped up to convert a 117th minute penalty which crowned Chelsea champions of the world.

Featured Image Credit: Image: PA

Topics: Chelsea, Sky Sports, FIFA Club World Cup

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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