FIFA is reportedly evaluating LAFC from MLS and Club America from Mexico as potential replacements for Club Leon in the Club World Cup. Club Leon was recently excluded from the tournament for violating competition regulations.
According to ESPN reports, LAFC is being considered for the Club World Cup spot. This comes after their defeat to Club Leon in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League final, which was Club Leon`s path to qualifying for the competition. Club America is also in contention, recognized as the highest-ranked Concacaf team not already qualified for the expanded 32-team Club World Cup. FIFA is thinking about a possible playoff game between LAFC and Club America to decide who takes the vacant spot, but these plans are not yet confirmed.
Club Leon`s removal from the Club World Cup followed a complaint filed in February by Costa Rican club Alajuelense to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Alajuelense argued that Club Leon breached rules regarding club ownership. FIFA`s regulations prevent two clubs under the same ownership group from participating in the Club World Cup. Upon discovering that Grupo Pachuca owned both Club Leon and Pachuca, FIFA decided to disqualify Club Leon on March 23.
Club Leon has appealed this decision to CAS, with a hearing scheduled for April 23 in Madrid. LAFC and Club America are required to submit their legal documents by Wednesday to present their cases during the CAS proceedings. Alajuelense will also be present to argue their position. FIFA has stated they will wait for the outcome of the CAS process before finalizing Club Leon’s replacement.
The team that eventually fills the Club World Cup slot will join England`s Chelsea, Tunisia`s Esperance de Tunis, and Brazil`s Flamengo in the group stage matches in June.
As FIFA addresses this situation, here’s a look at possible – and less likely – candidates to take the final place at the Club World Cup.
LAFC
The most straightforward option is LAFC. Given that Club Leon qualified by winning the 2023 Concacaf Champions League, it`s logical to suggest that the runner-up, LAFC, should be considered as the replacement.
Club America
Club America is another strong contender, although the situation is slightly more complex. FIFA has previously used a four-year ranking system in various confederations to determine Club World Cup participants. If FIFA uses Concacaf rankings, Club America emerges as the highest-ranked team not currently qualified. However, Club America`s head coach, Andre Jardine, has expressed mixed feelings about his team`s potential participation.
Jardine stated, `León should participate in the Club World Cup. I sympathize with the club and hope they find a resolution to go.` He added, `If that`s not possible, America has been performing consistently well. While winning the Concacaf Champions Cup remains a key ambition, we consistently lead in Mexican tournaments and the Concacaf ranking. If asked about wanting to go to the Club World Cup, the answer is yes, but we prefer to qualify by winning on the field. That’s our goal.`
Club Leon
There`s still a possibility that Club Leon could win their appeal, potentially rendering the replacement discussions moot. However, the likelihood of this is uncertain, as FIFA`s Club World Cup ownership rules, specifically article 10, are quite explicit: `No individual or legal entity can control or influence more than one club in the competition.` Despite the appeal hearing being weeks away, Club Leon has outlined the basis of their defense.
In a statement responding to their expulsion, Club Leon declared, `We disagree with this decision and will pursue all available avenues with the highest sports authorities. We presented comprehensive proof and documentation demonstrating our administrative and sporting independence, with full transparency. We will defend our on-field achievements fairly and professionally, adhering to all competition rules.`
Alajuelense
Alajuelense initiated this situation with their February complaint to CAS, asserting, `The lawsuit demonstrates shared ownership between Club Leon and Pachuca and that no team has a greater right than ours to participate in the upcoming Club World Cup.` The basis for their claim to a ‘greater right’ is unclear, as they were eliminated by LAFC in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League semifinals, not by Club Leon. It`s also improbable they would qualify through other methods. Nonetheless, Alajuelense will have the opportunity to present their case on April 23.
The Long Shots
Recent reports suggest FIFA will seek the most logical replacement for the Club World Cup vacancy, which is not always their approach. The expanded 32-team Club World Cup has faced criticism regarding fixture congestion, and challenges in securing venues, broadcasters, and sponsors. Furthermore, the selection process, like the four-year ranking system and choosing Inter Miami over MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy as the host nation`s representative, has been questionable.
FIFA justified Inter Miami`s selection as a reward for winning the Supporters` Shield, but many saw it as driven by Lionel Messi`s commercial appeal. This context makes it understandable why some might expect FIFA to select a team primarily for marketing appeal to boost the Club World Cup`s profile.
Al-Nassr: Following the logic of the Inter Miami selection, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr was briefly considered a possible, albeit cynical, choice. However, this has not materialized, and arguably, the tournament is better off from a sporting perspective.
Barcelona: Commercial appeal is likely a significant factor in potential contenders. Barcelona`s absence from the Club World Cup might be seen as a missed opportunity for revenue, especially considering the potential for a clash with Real Madrid in the knockout stages. While coaches and players might not mind missing the tournament given scheduling pressures, the financially strained club could have benefited from the extra income.
Manchester United: Like Barcelona, Manchester United could be considered if FIFA prioritizes revenue. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe emphasizing cost-cutting and profit maximization, Manchester United, known for its global commercial reach, could be a fitting, though perhaps unexpected, replacement.
