FIFA is thinking about using LAFC from MLS and Club America from Mexico to take Club Leon`s place in the Club World Cup. Club Leon was removed from the competition earlier in March because they didn`t follow the rules.
ESPN reports that LAFC is being considered because they lost to Club Leon in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League final. Winning that tournament is how Club Leon got into the Club World Cup. Club America is also being considered because they are the highest-ranked team in Concacaf that isn`t already in the 32-team Club World Cup. FIFA is thinking about having a single game playoff between LAFC and Club America to decide who gets the spot, but these plans might not be final yet.
Club Leon was kicked out of the Club World Cup this summer after Alajuelense from Costa Rica complained in February to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). They said Club Leon broke the rules about who can own teams in the competition. According to the rules, teams with the same owner can`t both play in the Club World Cup. FIFA found out that Grupo Pachuca owns both Club Leon and Pachuca, and on March 23, they decided to remove Club Leon from the competition.
Club Leon has appealed this decision to CAS, and their appeal will be heard on April 23 in Madrid. LAFC and Club America need to get their legal documents ready by Wednesday to present their arguments at the CAS hearing. Alajuelense will also be there to argue their case. FIFA will wait until CAS makes a decision before deciding who will replace Club Leon.
The team that gets into the Club World Cup will play against Chelsea from England, Esperance de Tunis from Tunisia, and Flamengo from Brazil in the group stage in June.
As FIFA figures out what to do, here`s a look at the possible choices for filling the last spot at the Club World Cup.
LAFC
It makes sense that LAFC could get the spot. Club Leon qualified by winning the 2023 Concacaf Champions League, so the team that came in second, LAFC, could be chosen instead.
Club America
Club America is another good option. FIFA has used a four-year ranking in some regions to decide which teams get into the Club World Cup. If FIFA uses Concacaf`s rankings, Club America is the highest-ranked team that hasn`t already qualified. However, their coach, Andre Jardine, isn`t sure if he wants his team to participate.
Jardine said to ESPN that León should go to the Club World Cup and he feels bad for them. He hopes they can find a solution for Leon to participate. He also mentioned that if it doesn`t happen, America has been performing well for a long time and is ranked high. He acknowledged their dream of winning the Concacaf Champions Cup and stated that while they are leading in Mexican tournaments and Concacaf rankings, he prefers to qualify for the Club World Cup by winning on the field.
Club Leon
There`s a chance Club Leon could win their appeal, which would solve everything. But it`s not clear how likely that is because FIFA`s rules about Club World Cup ownership are quite clear: no one can control more than one club in the competition. Club Leon is arguing against this, saying they are independent from Pachuca.
Club Leon said in a statement that they disagree with the decision and will fight it with the highest sports authorities. They claim they have shown proof that they are administratively and sportingly independent. They will defend what they earned by following all the rules.
Alajuelense
Alajuelense started this whole situation by complaining to CAS in February. They claimed that Club Leon and Pachuca have the same owner and that Alajuelense has a better right to be in the Club World Cup. It`s unclear what “right” they are talking about, as they were eliminated by LAFC in the semifinals of the 2023 Concacaf Champions League, not by Club Leon. It`s not likely they would have qualified in other ways either, but they will argue their case on April 23.
The long shots
Recent reports suggest FIFA will look for the most logical team to fill the spot, which is not always typical for them. This Club World Cup, expanding from eight to 32 teams, has been somewhat disorganized. There have been complaints about too many games, and it`s been hard to find venues, broadcasters, and sponsors. The qualification system using a four-year ranking has also been confusing. When FIFA could pick a team from the host nation, they chose Inter Miami instead of LA Galaxy, who were the MLS champions.
FIFA said Inter Miami was chosen for winning the Supporters` Shield, but many thought it was because of Lionel Messi`s popularity and the money he brings. This makes some people think FIFA might just pick any team to make the Club World Cup more interesting, even if it`s not based on sports merit.
Al-Nassr: Some cynical observers think that like the Inter Miami pick, Cristiano Ronaldo`s Al-Nassr could be invited now that there`s a spot open. However, this hasn`t happened, and maybe the Club World Cup is better off sportingly without it.
Barcelona: Commercial appeal seems to be a big factor. Barcelona not being in the Club World Cup might be seen as a missed opportunity for earnings, especially for a potential game against Real Madrid. However, the coaches and players might not mind missing it, even if the club could use the extra money.
Manchester United: Like Barcelona, Manchester United could be a random pick by FIFA for revenue reasons. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe now involved, focusing on cost-cutting and maximizing profits, it seems like a fitting choice. They are known for seeking revenue opportunities globally.
