Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich), known as the 'overwork-commitment icon', is facing a crisis where his participation in the FIFA Club World Cup may be blocked by unexpected diplomatic variables. Reports have emerged that his participation itself may become uncertain.

TZ reported on the 10th (Korean time) that "some Bayern Munich players, including Kim Min-jae, may not be able to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup to be held in the U.S. in June," adding, "The issue is the visa issuance. In particular, a visit to Iraq may hinder visa issuance."

Kim Min-jae is scheduled to participate in the 9th match of the third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Iraq on June 6th, and this schedule could affect his eligibility to participate in the Club World Cup.

According to reports, Iraq is one of the 43 countries included in the initial draft of the U.S. government's list of countries subject to entry restrictions. Although no official sanctions have been implemented yet, there are analyses suggesting that administrative actions related to this could intensify in the near future.

In fact, there have been similar cases in the past. During the administration of former President Trump in 2022, former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez was denied entry after visiting Iran. There have been instances where entry into the U.S. has been denied simply based on a record of visiting specific countries.

TZ noted that "the enhanced immigration policy of the U.S. cannot provide exceptions for athletes," adding that "if Kim Min-jae embarks on an away match to Iraq just before the Club World Cup, obtaining a visa may be difficult when entering the U.S." It continued, "If he receives a ruling that prevents him from participating in the tournament, it could deal a severe blow to Bayern, which is already facing a serious gap in its defense line."

Bayern Munich's defensive situation is currently critical. Eric Dier is set to transfer to AS Monaco, Dayot Upamecano has undergone knee surgery, and Hiroki Ito is unable to participate due to a metatarsal injury. If Kim Min-jae's participation in the tournament becomes uncertain as well, Bayern Munich could face the worst-case scenario of missing all starting defenders.

This 2025 Club World Cup is not just a simple international tournament. FIFA has restructured the tournament, expanding it to include 32 teams from around the world. The teams will be divided into eight groups, and after playing through the group stage, the tournament will proceed in a knockout format starting from the Round of 16.

Above all, the prize money for this tournament is unprecedented. The total prize money amounts to $1 billion (1.47 trillion won), and participating clubs are expected to receive base participation fees in the hundreds of millions of won. Even for European teams, the amounts guaranteed range from a minimum of $12.81 million (18.8 billion won) to a maximum of $38.19 million (56.1 billion won).

For every victory in the group stage, an additional $2 million (2.9 billion won) is provided, with $30 million (44 billion won) granted for reaching the final, and $40 million (58.7 billion won) awarded for winning. If a team achieves a perfect winning record in the group stage and wins the final, they could earn a massive total of $117.62 million (171.1 billion won). This is why Bayern cannot afford to miss this tournament.

TZ pointed out that "applying entry restrictions motivated by political purposes equally to sportspeople lacks realism," emphasizing that "international sporting events should guarantee neutrality separate from diplomacy. Banning Kim Min-jae from participating could invite international criticism."

Despite suffering from an Achilles injury this season, Kim Min-jae has recorded the most playing time in Bayern's defense and made significant contributions to the team's Bundesliga championship. However, toward the end of the season, his playing time has decreased due to a combination of recovery from injury and internal team alienation controversies. With the issue of his visa also surfacing, his participation in the Club World Cup has become even more uncertain.

The remaining variables are the actual implementation by the U.S. government and FIFA's position. How the political neutrality of sports and the rights of players are balanced will be a key point in determining Kim Min-jae's participation.

[OSEN]