With the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 fast approaching, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled against Club Leon’s participation due to non-compliance with FIFA regulations.
FIFA’s rules prohibit two teams owned by the same entity from competing in the tournament. Both Leon and Pachuca are under Grupo Pachuca’s ownership, forcing one of the two clubs to withdraw. Leon, which features James Rodríguez on its roster, was ultimately disqualified.
Following Leon’s appeal to CAS, the tribunal issued its ruling, confirming the club’s exclusion from the competition. In its decision, CAS delegated the responsibility to FIFA to determine León’s replacement.
Although FIFA has yet to release an official statement, a report from GIVEMESPORT suggests the leading plan involves a playoff match between Los Angeles FC (LAFC) and Club America of Mexico. LAFC lost to Leon in the Concacaf Champions League 2023 final, while Club America is currently the highest-ranked team in the Concacaf standings.
José Cifuentes #20 controls the ball against Brian Rubio #15 during the Concacaf Champions League 2023 Final between between Leon and LAFC. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Other possibilities, such as Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, which also filed a claim with FIFA, appear unlikely but cannot be entirely ruled out, as FIFA has not made a formal announcement regarding the replacement process.
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James Rodriguez’s Club Leon confirm final decision about FIFA Club World Cup 2025
When and where will the playoff be held?
According to the report, the decisive match between LAFC and Club America to fill León’s spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is expected to take place on May 31 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
The winner of the match will join Group D alongside Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance de Tunis. In addition to competing on the global stage, the team will secure $9.55 million for participating in the tournament, plus $2 million for each group-stage victory.
