Cristiano Ronaldo says he’s almost certain he will not be playing at the Club World Cup, dealing a blow to FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s hopes of having one of football’s biggest attractions at the tournament.

The controversial governing body is determined to increase its stake in club football. Meanwhile, team schedules and players’ bodies are being pushed more than ever before. Is the beautiful game reaching breaking point?

Ronaldo's pronouncement ends weeks of speculation, including by FIFA boss Gianni Infantino about whether the star would play