Club Leon`s ban from the FIFA Club World Cup, imposed due to multi-club ownership regulations, has been upheld following an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This decision means Leon must be replaced in the tournament, scheduled to commence on June 14.
To fill Leon`s place in Group D, which includes Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance Sportive de Tunis, FIFA has announced a single-match playoff between Los Angeles FC and Club America. These two teams were chosen because LAFC finished as the runner-up to Leon in the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup, and Club America holds the top ranking among Concacaf teams in the FIFA Club World Cup confederation rankings.
This playoff presents a significant opportunity for both clubs, particularly given the financial rewards. Each Concacaf team participating in the main tournament is guaranteed to receive $9.55 million in prize money from FIFA. This amount can increase with performance in the group stage, offering an additional $2 million per win and $1 million per draw.
The substantial prize money is considerably more than either club typically earns from their respective domestic leagues, adding significant pressure to the upcoming playoff match. According to reports, LAFC is expected to host the game at BMO Stadium on May 31. While LAFC has a league match against the Colorado Rapids scheduled for that date, Club America will be available as their participation in the Liga MX Clausura playoffs will have concluded by then.
In a statement, FIFA expressed satisfaction with the CAS outcome: “FIFA welcomes the decision taken by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to reject the appeals of CF Pachuca, Club León and Asociación Liga Deportiva Alajuelense in relation to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.”
Leon`s ban stems from the fact that both Club Leon and CF Pachuca are owned by the same entity, Pachuca Group. Multi-club ownership rules dictate that only one team from such a group can participate. Efforts to sell Club Leon did not materialize in time, leaving Pachuca as the eligible team. The appeal to CAS by Pachuca and Leon argued that both clubs met eligibility requirements, but this was ultimately rejected.
Costa Rican side Alajuelense also filed an appeal with CAS, asserting that if either Leon or Pachuca were removed, they should be the replacement team. CAS heard this case but also rejected the appeal. This decision left the final determination of the vacant spot in Group D solely to FIFA.
In preparation for the tournament, Leon had bolstered their squad, including the signing of James Rodriguez. While he will not have the chance to compete for a Club World Cup title with Leon, he remains available to help them pursue a Liga MX Clausura title. Leon is scheduled to face Cruz Azul in the quarterfinals of that competition on Thursday.
