James Rodriguez’s hopes of playing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup have been dashed after Club Leon officially announced they will not take part in the tournament’s inaugural edition.
The decision came following weeks of speculation. In a statement posted on social media, Club Leon emphasized that their intention to compete was never financially motivated, but rather rooted in the pursuit of sporting glory.
“As an institution, we accept the cost and consequences of such a process, but those who have suffered the most along the way are our people: our fans and players deserved more respect from an organization that claims to promote the sport. From the start, no sporting principle existed in this case,” the statement read.
Also, Club Leon pointed the institutions that make the decision on their retirement from the tournament, and they want to fight for their honor instead. “For Club Leon, participating in the Club World Cup was never about power or money. We fought until the end to be there because, as a sports organization, we strive for the kind of glory that can only be earned, defended, and deserved on the pitch. Money comes and goes, time can be recovered, the player keeps fighting, and the fan never walks away, but honor, that is untouchable,“ Club Leon stated.
James Rodriguez, player from Club Leon.
Club Leon responds to FIFA with formal complaint
Following FIFA’s recent ruling, Club Leon issued a strong statement highlighting the challenges the Mexican club has faced in recent months. The team emphasized the impact of FIFA’s decision regarding the upcoming Club World Cup, expressing concern over the lack of transparency and fairness.
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James Rodriguez breaks silence on Club Leon’s exclusion from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
“In recent weeks, we have been targeted, stigmatized, and defamed. That is the greatest damage done to a team that has always competed with humility and integrity. The history of Club Leon is simple: play with courage, win with justice, and compete with loyalty,“ the club stated.
Club Leon’s spot to be filled in Club World Cup
Club Leon acknowledged that their place in the tournament will be taken by another team. However, they voiced frustration over how the situation was handled and questioned the process behind the decision.
“We know a team must take our place in the Club World Cup. We hope the sporting values that were not honored in this case will be respected in theirs, that they cannot be sold by anyone or bought by anyone,” the club added.
