Grupo Pachuca’s multi-ownership led to Club Leon’s exclusion from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The decision sparked strong reactions from fans. Despite the controversy, the club remained silent in the immediate aftermath of FIFA’s decision. Hours later, James Rodriguez’s team broke its silence and addressed the ruling directly on its social media platforms. Club Leon also outlined its next steps in response to the decision.
Club Leon issued a strong statement regarding its exclusion by FIFA from the Club World Cup. “The General Secretary of the organization decided that our team must give up its place in the competition despite having won it with justice and professionalism on the field by winning the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League title; a measure that is cruel, unfair, which we do not share and we do not know who it benefits, but who it harms: our fans,” stated the team on X, formerly Twitter.
The team confirmed in the letter that it fully cooperated with the investigation. They delivered all documents requested by FIFA to show complete transparency. They also stated that, despite being part of Grupo Pachuca, both clubs operate independently. Each team makes its own decisions and functions with full autonomy.
James Rodriguez‘s Club Leon also confirmed in the press release that it will officially appeal the decision. The goal is to keep the spot they earned on the field. As a result, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will receive the formal complaint. However, Liga Deportiva Alajuelense from Costa Rica had already submitted its own appeal. This gives CAS a broader view of the overall dispute.
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.
According to ESPN, CAS have summoned FIFA, Grupo Pachuca, and Alajuelense for a hearing next month. The goal is to listen to all parties and review their arguments. A final ruling is expected by May at the latest. Until then, FIFA must wait before confirming which team will replace Club Leon in the FIFA Club World Cup.
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Which teams could replace Club Leon at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after being disqualified?
Club Leon president makes strong statement on appeal against FIFA’s Club World Cup decision
The appeal is officially underway. However, many experts doubt it will succeed. FIFA Club World Cup rules were clear from the start. Despite this, Jesus Martinez Murguia, president of Club Leon, outlined some of the club’s key arguments to appeal the decision.
“The first argument is that we won on the field, that is the most important thing we have to emphasize, and then, the regulations come out months after the tournament. If we are notified before competing, it is a different situation, so legally, together with my father and all the people in charge of this great group that has given so much to Mexican soccer,” affirmed Jesus Martinez Murguia, Club Leon’s president on el Sol de Leon.
