Former Fluminense star Felipe Melo has demanded Manchester City be stripped of all their trophies, specifically calling for the 2023 Club World Cup title to be handed to him. The comments, made at the Ole Summit 2026 in Buenos Aires, follow City's guilty verdict for severe breaches of Premier League financial regulations over a nine-year period.
Melo, a former Brazil international known as the Pitbull, used social media to amplify his claim. "Give me my Club World Cup!" he said. He added he would drive the trophy around Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana and Barra da Tijuca neighbourhoods. His remarks referenced Fluminense's 4-0 defeat to City in the 2023 final in Saudi Arabia.
The controversy touches on the precedent of stripping titles, with concerns it could extend to international competitions. Melo cited Corinthians' 2012 victory over Chelsea as an example of South American success in the tournament. The situation is watched closely in the Premier League, where Brentford currently sit fourth with nine points from five games. The Bees are just six points behind leaders Manchester City, having recently beaten Chelsea 3-0 at home.
For Brentford supporters tracking the title race, the club's form is strong with two wins and three draws from their last five matches. They face Aston Villa away next on 10 October.
More detail at LiveScore
