Decision Sparks Controversy as Players and Fans React to Club’s Removal
FIFA is reportedly considering a one-off playoff match to determine who will replace Club Leon at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, following the Mexican club’s controversial removal from the tournament.
Earlier this month, FIFA announced that Club Leon would not be participating in this summer’s expanded competition due to non-compliance with its “multi-club ownership” rules. The governing body cited violations by both Club Leon and CF Pachuca, ultimately deciding to remove Leon from the tournament set to take place in the United States between June 14 and July 13.
A statement released by FIFA explained: “Following disciplinary proceedings opened against CF Pachuca and Club León, the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided to refer the case directly to the FIFA Appeal Committee. After evaluating all evidence, the chairman of the FIFA Appeal Committee ruled that the clubs failed to meet the criteria on multi-club ownership as defined under article 10 paragraph 1 of the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Consequently, Club León will be removed from the competition, with a replacement club to be announced in due course.”
Who Will Take the Final Spot?
With 31 teams already confirmed—including football giants such as Chelsea, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid—the big question remains: who will take Club Leon’s place?
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, FIFA is considering a one-off playoff match between Mexican side Club America and MLS outfit Los Angeles FC. The winner would earn the final slot in the competition and join Chelsea in Group D.
Both clubs will be eager to seize this opportunity to compete on the global stage, but not everyone is happy with FIFA’s decision to remove Club Leon in the first place.
James Rodriguez Condemns FIFA’s Decision
Club Leon midfielder James Rodriguez, formerly of Everton, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid, has publicly slammed FIFA for what he calls an “injustice.”
“I think it’s a grave injustice,” Rodriguez said at a press conference on Saturday. “We all believe that. We won our place on the pitch. The club and the players are hurt by this. If we’re out, it’s not fair. The team that would replace us would be stained, football would be stained.”
Rodriguez also expressed frustration on behalf of the club’s supporters, adding: “So many fans have planned to travel to the tournament. How do you tell them that they can’t go? I have a lot of questions about all this. It’s odd. I think FIFA has to get their things together. Football is stained by this.”
FIFA Club World Cup Group Stage Lineup
Despite the controversy, the tournament is moving forward, with teams placed in the following groups:
- Group A: Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami
- Group B: Paris St-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders
- Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica
- Group D: Flamengo, Esperance Sportive de Tunis, Chelsea, (Replacement TBD)
- Group E: River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey, Inter Milan
- Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns
- Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus
- Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg
As FIFA explores the best way to determine Club Leon’s replacement, the debate surrounding the club’s removal continues to fuel frustration among fans and players alike. Whether through a playoff match or an alternative selection process, FIFA will need to act swiftly to finalize the tournament lineup before the competition kicks off this summer.
Similar Posts:
- FIFA Announces MetLife Stadium as Venue for 2025 Club World Cup Final
- Azteca Stadium to Host Historic Opening Match of Expanded 2026 World Cup
- James Rodriguez Backs Jude Bellingham for Future Ballon d’Or Glory
- Logo for 2026 FIFA World Cup unveiled, fans mock its simplistic design
- Real Madrid Clinch FIFA Intercontinental Cup with 3-0 Win Over Pachuca
