Just before the international break, FIFA made it official—Club Leon has been excluded from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The decision came as a major blow to the team, which had strengthened its roster with key signings, including Colombian star James Rodríguez, in preparation for the tournament. Many Mexican fans were excited about León’s potential to compete against top international clubs, but FIFA’s ruling quickly shattered those hopes. Rodriguez did not hold back when addressing the controversial decision.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Rodriguez expressed his disagreement with FIFA’s reasoning, suggesting that bigger interests were at play in selecting another team for the tournament.
“There are interests beyond León being left out. I have my doubts about all of this. It’s strange, and I believe there’s a strong push to get another team into the tournament. FIFA needs to wake up because I have my doubts, and this stains football,” Rodriguez stated.
The former Real Madrid star also called the exclusion a major injustice, not just for himself, but for the entire team. “Not just me, but everyone here feels this is unfair. As the coach and Stiven Barreiro said, we earned everything on the field. Four of us at this press conference today know exactly what we achieved. This decision has hit us hard, and if we’re out, it’s simply not fair,” Rodriguez emphasized.
ames Rodriguez of Leon controls the ball during the 9th round match between America and Leon as part of the Torneo Clausura 2025 Liga MX at Ciudad de los Deportes Stadium on February 19, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico.
Defending Leon and its fans
Beyond criticizing FIFA’s ruling, Rodríguez also highlighted the impact on Leon’s fans, many of whom had already spent money on travel and accommodations for the tournament.
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“The integrity of the competition is now in question. It’s unfair to León, a club that has accomplished great things. And what about the fans? Many have already paid for their trips—how do you tell them now that they’re not going? It just doesn’t make sense,” he added.
Why was Club Leon excluded?
Club Leon initially secured its spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup by winning the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup. However, FIFA later ruled that the club failed to meet eligibility criteria.
The controversy began in 2024 when Costa Rican club Liga Deportiva Alajuelense filed a complaint questioning Leon’s participation. On March 21, Club Pachuca—also owned by Grupo Pachuca—announced that either León or Pachuca would be excluded from the soccer tournament. Soon after, FIFA released an official statement explaining its decision:
“After evaluating all the evidence, the chairman of the FIFA appeal committee has determined that both CF Pachuca and Club Leon are in violation of regulations concerning multi-club ownership. As a result, FIFA has decided that Club León will not be admitted to the competition.”
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Under Article 10, Paragraph 1 of the tournament regulations, two clubs under the same ownership group cannot participate in the FIFA Club World Cup. Since Leon and Pachuca are both owned by Grupo Pachuca, FIFA ruled that only one team could compete—ultimately choosing Pachuca over León.
