Club Leon`s ban from the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, imposed due to regulations regarding multi-club ownership, has been confirmed after their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was unsuccessful. As a result, Leon must be replaced in the tournament, which starts on June 14. FIFA has announced that Los Angeles FC and Club America will compete in a single playoff match to determine which team will take Leon`s place in Group D, joining Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance Sportive de Tunis.
The selection of these two clubs is based on LAFC finishing as runner-up to Leon in the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup, while Club America holds the highest ranking within the confederation`s teams according to FIFA`s Club World Cup criteria. This playoff represents a significant financial opportunity, as any Concacaf club participating in the main tournament is guaranteed $9.55 million from FIFA in prize money. Additional earnings of $2 million for a win and $1 million for a draw are also available during the group stage.
This substantial prize money is a major incentive, exceeding typical earnings from their domestic leagues, which heightens the stakes for the playoff game. Reports indicate that LAFC is scheduled to host the crucial match against Club America at BMO Stadium on May 31st. This presents a scheduling conflict for LAFC, who are currently set to play the Colorado Rapids on the same day, while Club America will not have league commitments as the Liga MX Clausura playoffs will be finished by then.
In a statement, FIFA expressed approval of the Court of Arbitration for Sport`s (CAS) ruling to dismiss the appeals filed by CF Pachuca, Club León, and Asociación Liga Deportiva Alajuelense regarding their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
The reason for Leon`s ban is their shared ownership with CF Pachuca under the Pachuca Group. Due to multi-club ownership regulations, only one club under the same ownership can participate, and attempts to sell Club Leon before the deadline were unsuccessful. Therefore, Pachuca will participate. The joint appeal by Pachuca and Leon to CAS argued that both clubs met the eligibility criteria for the Club World Cup, but this argument was rejected by the court.
Additionally, Costa Rican club Alajuelense lodged an appeal with CAS, contending that if either Leon or Pachuca were excluded, they should be the team to fill the vacancy. CAS heard this case but ultimately dismissed it, leaving FIFA to decide the replacement team for the vacant spot in Group D.
In preparation for the potential Club World Cup participation, Leon had strengthened their squad with players like James Rodriguez. While he won`t compete for a Club World Cup title with the club, he still has the opportunity to help them pursue a Liga MX Clausura title, as they are scheduled to face Cruz Azul in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
