Club Leon`s ban from the FIFA Club World Cup, imposed due to rules against multi-club ownership, has been upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport following a failed appeal. Consequently, Leon must now be replaced in the tournament, which is set to begin on June 14.
To fill Leon`s vacant spot in Group D, which includes Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance Sportive de Tunis, FIFA has scheduled a single-match playoff between Los Angeles FC and Club America.
These clubs were selected because LAFC finished as runner-up to Leon in the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup, and Club America holds the highest position in the FIFA Club World Cup confederation rankings within Concacaf. This playoff offers a significant opportunity, as any Concacaf participant in the tournament is guaranteed to receive $9.55 million in FIFA prize money. Additional earnings of $2 million per win and $1 million per draw are available in the group stage.
This substantial amount, exceeding what either club typically earns from their domestic leagues, significantly increases the stakes of the playoff game. Reports from GiveMeSport indicate LAFC will host the match at BMO Stadium on May 31st. This presents a scheduling challenge for LAFC, who are also set to play the Colorado Rapids that day, whereas Club America will have concluded their Liga MX Clausura playoff commitments.
In a statement, FIFA expressed satisfaction with the Court of Arbitration for Sport`s (CAS) decision to dismiss the appeals filed by CF Pachuca, Club León, and Asociación Liga Deportiva Alajuelense regarding the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Leon`s exclusion originates from the fact that both Leon and Pachuca are under the ownership of Pachuca Group. Since plans to sell Leon were not finalized promptly, only one club from the group could enter the tournament; Pachuca is the one proceeding. The joint appeal by Pachuca and Leon to CAS argued that both clubs met the Club World Cup eligibility criteria, but this argument was rejected.
Additionally, Costa Rican club Alajuelense submitted an appeal to CAS, asserting that if either Leon or Pachuca were disqualified, they should be the replacement team. CAS considered this appeal before also rejecting it. This outcome left the final decision on filling the vacant Group D spot to FIFA.
Like other potential participants, Leon had strengthened their squad, notably adding James Rodriguez. Although he won`t compete for a Club World Cup title with them, he still has the opportunity to help them pursue a Liga MX Clausura title, with a quarterfinal match against Cruz Azul scheduled for Thursday.
