Club Leon Excluded from 2025 Club World Cup After Failed Appeal
On May 6, 2025, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected Club Leon's appeal to participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The Mexican club, which earned its spot by winning the 2023 CONCACAF Champions Cup, was removed by FIFA due to a breach of multi-club ownership rules. This decision finalizes Leon's exclusion from the tournament, set to begin June 14 in the United States.
FIFA's regulations prohibit any individual or entity from controlling more than one club in the competition. Both Club Leon and Pachuca, another qualified team, are owned by Grupo Pachuca, leading to Leon's expulsion in March 2025. The CAS panel found that a trust set up by Leon's owners was insufficient to comply with these rules, allowing Pachuca to remain in the 32-team lineup.
Club Leon's James Rodríguez will not be suiting up for the Club World Cup - Getty Images
Leon's absence has paved the way for a high-stakes playoff between Los Angeles FC (LAFC) and Club América. FIFA plans to organize this match to determine Leon's replacement, with the winner securing at least $9.55 million in prize money. The playoff's date and venue are yet to be announced, but it ensures the tournament's roster is complete before kickoff in Miami.
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The ruling has sparked frustration among Leon's fans and players, who feel the decision overlooks their sporting merits. Manager Eduardo Berizzo previously criticized FIFA's process, arguing it lacked respect for the club's achievements. Despite their efforts, the expedited appeal, heard on May 5, could not overturn FIFA's stance on tournament integrity.
Club Leon did all it could to participate.
A separate appeal by Costa Rican club Alajuelense, which sought to replace Leon, was also dismissed by CAS. Alajuelense had raised concerns about the multi-ownership issue as early as November 2024. Their case, heard alongside Leon's, did not sway the panel's decision.
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The 2025 Club World Cup, featuring global giants like Real Madrid, Juventus, Inter Miami and Manchester City, promises to be a historic spectacle. For Leon, however, the dream of competing on this stage is over. The focus now shifts to the playoff, which will decide the final piece of this billion-dollar tournament's puzzle.
Next: Messi's Inter Miami Headlines FIFA'S Ambitious Club World Cup Kick Off - Athlon Sports
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