In a surprising turn of events, FIFA has proposed a one-game playoff between Liga MX giants Club América and Major League Soccer’s LAFC to determine a replacement team for Club León at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This decision comes in the wake of León’s disqualification from the tournament due to ownership conflict regulations, which prohibit two clubs with the same ownership from competing.
León, owned by Grupo Pachuca, was removed from the expanded 32-team tournament after FIFA ruled that their participation would violate competition rules. The organization’s announcement came on March 23, 2025, just a few months before the tournament is set to kick off on June 14 at MetLife Stadium, concluding on July 13, 2025.
FIFA's ruling has sparked a legal battle, as León has appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which will hold a hearing on April 23 in Madrid. During this hearing, León will present its case alongside Costa Rican club Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, which initially filed a complaint against León’s inclusion in the tournament.
According to FIFA's statement, the playoff between Club América and LAFC will only take place if León’s appeal fails. LAFC qualifies for the playoff as the runner-up to León in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League, while Club América holds the highest FIFA confederation ranking among CONCACAF clubs. This means that the winner of the playoff will secure a coveted spot at the Club World Cup.
Club América head coach André Jardine expressed his thoughts on the situation, stating, "León should go to the Club World Cup. I'm sad for the institution and I'd like them to find a solution so they can go. If it doesn't happen, then América has been doing things well for a long time." Jardine emphasized that while he desires to compete in the Club World Cup, he wants to earn the spot on the field, reflecting the competitive spirit of the tournament.
FIFA’s decision to exclude León stems from regulations outlined in Article 10 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 rules, which state that no individual or legal entity may have control or influence over more than one club participating in the competition. Grupo Pachuca, which also owns fellow Liga MX club Pachuca, is at the center of this controversy.
León’s removal has led to intense speculation regarding who will take their place. If León’s appeal is unsuccessful, the playoff between Club América and LAFC will determine which team will join the likes of Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance de Túnez in Group D of the Club World Cup.
In a statement, León expressed dissatisfaction with FIFA’s decision, insisting that they manage themselves independently of Grupo Pachuca. A spokesperson for Grupo Pachuca stated, "We will appeal until its last instance and in the highest sports court," highlighting their commitment to contesting the ruling vigorously.
The implications of this playoff extend beyond just a spot in the Club World Cup. The victor will also receive a substantial prize of $9.55 million awarded by FIFA to qualified teams from the CONCACAF region. This financial incentive adds another layer of urgency to the playoff.
As the soccer world watches closely, the outcome of the CAS hearing on April 23 will be crucial. If León is reinstated, the playoff will not take place, and the situation will remain as it currently stands. However, if they are not successful, the showdown between Club América and LAFC could be one of the most anticipated matches leading up to the Club World Cup.
In the meantime, both clubs are preparing for the possibility of this high-stakes playoff. While LAFC has declined to comment on the situation, Club América is gearing up for what could be a defining moment in their season. Jardine’s team is currently leading many Mexican tournaments and holds a strong position in the CONCACAF ranking, which is one of the criteria for qualification.
The Club World Cup is set to be a landmark event, showcasing the best clubs from around the globe. With the stakes higher than ever, both Club América and LAFC will be looking to make their mark on this prestigious stage. As the countdown to the tournament begins, the soccer community is left on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the resolution of León's appeal and the potential playoff match.
In summary, FIFA's decision to propose a playoff between Club América and LAFC highlights the complexities of club ownership regulations and the intense competition within CONCACAF. As both clubs prepare for this potential showdown, all eyes will be on the CAS hearing and the subsequent developments leading up to the Club World Cup.
