'Too many surprises' - Sergio Ramos and Rayados de Monterrey denounce poor training pitch conditions, demand solutions from FIFA ahead of Club World Cup opener

Ahead of their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup debut, Monterrey have encountered logistical setbacks, claiming that the training pitch assigned by FIFA at Loyola Marymount University is in substandard condition.

As a result, the Liga MX side was forced to relocate its training sessions to Dignity Health Sports Park - also used by the Mexican national team - while awaiting a resolution from tournament organizers. Club executive vice president Pedro Esquivel voiced his frustration and called on FIFA to ensure fair conditions for all participants.

“We trust the issue will be corrected, but for now we’re staying positive," Esquivel told reporters. "As a club competing in a FIFA-organized tournament, we expect the necessary conditions to perform at our best."

There is a sense of concern within the Monterrey camp, as the team is set to play all of its group-stage matches in Los Angeles. The club’s leadership hopes the issue will be resolved swiftly to avoid further setbacks. Monterrey executives have also urged FIFA and local organizers to ensure that similar problems don’t arise later in the tournament.

“There have been too many surprises,” Esquivel said. “We’re working to ensure these issues are addressed. The excitement is there, but as an institution, it’s our responsibility to demand better from FIFA.”

Despite missing the Liga MX playoffs due to a leg injury, Sergio Ramos has been training at full capacity with his teammates in Los Angeles and is expected to start in the team's Club World Cup debut.

The appearance will mark his fifth time competing in the tournament, a competition he won four times during his illustrious career with Real Madrid.

Rayados will remain in Los Angeles for the duration of the group stage, where they are set to face Inter Milan on Tuesday, followed by River Plate (June 21) and Urawa Red Diamonds (June 25).