FIFA Excludes Club Leon from Club World Cup Over Ownership Violations

In a significant move, FIFA has officially excluded Club Leon from the upcoming Club World Cup, citing violations of the tournament's regulations on multi-club ownership. The Mexican club, which secured the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2023, was set to face Chelsea in their opening match of the 32-team competition scheduled from June 14 to July 13 in the United States.

FIFA's decision stems from the finding that both Club Leon and another Mexican team, Pachuca, did not comply with the rules prohibiting clubs from directly or indirectly holding or dealing in the securities or shares of another participating team. Both clubs are owned by Grupo Pachuca.

In a statement, FIFA announced, "A replacement for Leon will be announced in due course." Club Leon has expressed strong disagreement with the decision, stating they will appeal to the highest courts in sports if denied a place in the event. The club emphasized, "In the last few months, we have presented all the evidence and documents confirming that Club Leon manages itself in an autonomous manner in all economic, administrative, and sporting aspects."

The inclusion of both teams had been challenged by Costa Rican club Deportiva Alajuelense, the 2023 Central American Cup winners. Notably, Pachuca, which won the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2024, remains unaffected by the decision.

Chelsea was scheduled to face Leon on June 16 in Atlanta, with Flamengo of Brazil and Tunisian side Esperance also in Group D. The exclusion of Leon adds a layer of complexity to the tournament's dynamics, raising questions about the enforcement of ownership rules in global football competitions.