In a surprising announcement on March 21, 2025, FIFA declared that Club León and player James Rodríguez will be excluded from the upcoming 2025 Club World Cup due to violations of multi-ownership regulations. The tournament, set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, will now feature only 31 teams following this significant decision.
According to FIFA, Club León, along with fellow Mexican team CF Pachuca, failed to meet the ownership criteria set out in the tournament's regulations. Both teams are owned by Grupo Pachuca, and the decision was reportedly influenced by a complaint from Costa Rican club Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, which raised concerns about the fairness of multi-ownership allowing two clubs under the same umbrella to compete in the tournament.
FIFA’s statement revealed that “after evaluating all the evidence, the president of the FIFA Appeal Committee has determined that both CF Pachuca and Club León do not comply with the criteria regarding the ownership of multiple clubs.” As a result of this decision, they confirmed that a replacement team for Club León will be announced in the near future.
In response to the announcement, Club León expressed its profound discontent. In an official statement shared via their social media channels, the club claimed that they demonstrated autonomy in their financial, administrative, and sporting operations. Club León stated, “In the last few months we have presented all the evidence and documents confirming that Club León manages itself in an autonomous manner.” This determination, they insisted, makes FIFA's decision seem “cruel and unjust.”
The club is currently considering all legal avenues in the pursuit of reversing this decision, asserting, “If Club León is prevented from participating in the 2025 World Cup with the same rights that it earned on the field, we will go to the highest sports courts.” They highlighted their intent to fight for their place in the tournament, citing the significance of the opportunity after their triumph in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League, where they emerged victorious against Los Angeles FC in the final.
While Club León is vocal about their struggle, Pachuca, which retains its place in the tournament, has also stated it will defend its participation vigorously. The controversy raises questions about the future of multi-ownership in Mexican football, as David Faitelson, a prominent analyst for TUDN, articulated, saying, “FIFA strikes a blow against multi-ownership in Mexican football.” Faitelson’s remarks suggest that the ramifications of this decision could extend beyond just Club León, affecting how clubs manage ownership in the Liga MX.
Faitelson was particularly pointed when asserting that América, another major club, cannot participate in the tournament as they did not earn that right on the field. As it stands, other potential candidates like Pumas and América may look to step in, should León be officially eliminated from the tournament.
Looking ahead, the timeline for resolving the appeal remains critical, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) slated to make a determination in May 2025. Both León and Pachuca will have until April 2, 2025, to present their arguments before the TAS, although León has expressed that previous submissions have proven insufficient.
As the Club World Cup draws nearer, the air is thick with uncertainty. Chelsea was scheduled to face Club León on June 16, 2025, but that matchup now hangs in the balance pending the announcement of a replacement team. Other groups in the tournament, including Flamengo and Esperance from Tunisia, await clarity on how League will proceed in light of this ruling.
The implications of FIFA's decision reach far beyond just the immediate effects on Club León and its players, notably James Rodríguez, who moved to the team with the intention of competing at this level. If Club León's legal efforts do not succeed, Rodríguez, who might still find a place in the tournament through Pachuca, may need to navigate new challenges and teams.
In conclusion, the exclusion of Club León from the 2025 Club World Cup underscores both the seriousness of FIFA's regulations regarding club ownership and the complicated landscape of Mexican football. The outcome of this scenario, alongside the pending resolution by the TAS, will undoubtedly set important precedents for future tournaments and could alter the structure of club ownership in Mexican leagues.
