James Rodriguez’s Club Leon to challenge FIFA’s decision and fight for 2025 Club World Cup spot
FIFA‘s decision to expel Club Leon from the 2025 Club World Cup has left James Rodriguez and the Mexican club shocked, with just a few months before the competition begins. As the legal battle ensues, the Liga MX side is preparing to challenge FIFA’s ruling in order to retain their spot in the prestigious tournament.
Despite securing their place by winning the 2023 CONCACAF Champions Cup, FIFA made the drastic decision to exclude the team, citing a violation of the multi-ownership rule. The organization alleged that both CF Pachuca and Club Leon, which are under Grupo Pachuca’s ownership, failed to provide sufficient evidence disproving their connection. Now, Club Leon is preparing to take legal action as a last resort to reclaim their place.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Club Leon has appealed FIFA’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The club’s main argument is that Leon and its sister club, Pachuca, comply with FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules and have “documents that transparently demonstrate the administration of our clubs.”
This case mirrors the situation of Costa Rican side Deportivo Alajuelense, who filed a complaint with FIFA in November. With no response from FIFA or the involved clubs, Alajuelense escalated the matter to CAS.
FIFA’s decision was met with an immediate response from players such as Andrrs Guardado and star James Rodriguez. The Colombian expressed frustration over the situation, particularly for the fans: “It’s not fair to anyone—to the entire club that has achieved great things. And especially to all the people who’ve spent money; fans who went into debt just to be able to go,” he said on a press conference.
FIFA already planning Club World Cup without Club Leon
While Club Leon’s appeal to CAS is underway, FIFA is already planning the tournament without the Mexican side. The governing body expects the CAS ruling to be made by April 23, after which a playoff match will likely take place to fill the vacant spot.
The plan is for Club America and Los Angeles FC to compete in a one-off match to determine who will take Club Leon’s place. LAFC qualifies as the runner-up of the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League, while Club America is considered due to its top ranking in its confederation.
Jacobs reports that Club Leon is seeking an expedited ruling, but the proposed hearing date is currently set for early May. With the FIFA Club World Cup set to begin on June 15, time is running short for a final resolution to be reached.