FIFA’s decision to expel Club León from the 2025 Club World Cup has left the Mexican club and its star player, James Rodríguez, stunned just months before the tournament begins. As a legal battle unfolds, León is preparing to challenge FIFA’s ruling in hopes of reclaiming its spot in the competition.
Despite earning qualification by winning the 2023 CONCACAF Champions Cup, FIFA removed León from the tournament, citing a breach of the multi-ownership rule. The organization argued that Grupo Pachuca, which owns both León and CF Pachuca, failed to provide sufficient proof of independent operations. Now, León is taking legal action as a last resort to overturn the decision.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Club León has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), asserting that both León and Pachuca adhere to FIFA’s ownership regulations. The club claims to have documentation proving the separate administration of the two teams.
This case is similar to Costa Rican club Deportivo Alajuelense’s dispute with FIFA, which was escalated to CAS after receiving no response from FIFA or the involved parties.
FIFA’s ruling sparked immediate backlash from players, including Andrés Guardado and James Rodríguez. The Colombian midfielder voiced his frustration, particularly for the club’s supporters: “It’s unfair to everyone—to the club that worked so hard and, especially, to the fans who sacrificed and even went into debt just to attend.”
While León’s appeal is pending, FIFA is moving forward with tournament plans without them. The governing body expects a CAS decision by April 23, after which a playoff match will determine the replacement team.
The proposed solution is a single-match playoff between Club América and Los Angeles FC. LAFC, as the runner-up of the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League, and Club América, due to its high confederation ranking, are the leading candidates.
León is pushing for a swift resolution, but the CAS hearing is currently set for early May. With the FIFA Club World Cup kicking off on June 15, time is running out for a final decision.
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