In a growing controversy surrounding Grupo Pachuca, both of its football clubs, Pachuca and León, are facing challenges related to multi-ownership issues and legal disputes as the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup approaches. The situation has especially drawn significant attention after Jesús Martínez, owner of Grupo Pachuca, allegedly defied court orders by broadcasting matches outside the designated network, Fox Sports Mexico.
On March 16, 2025, Pachuca aired its match against Tijuana through Tubi, a streaming service owned by Fox Corporation, marking the second violation of a court ruling in less than ten days. This blatant disregard for a judicial order follows an earlier sanction imposed for a similar infringement during their match against Mazatlán on March 8, where the team was slapped with a financial fine for ignoring the broadcast restrictions. Legal representatives are now indicating that Martínez could face 24 hours of arrest due to these recurrent violations.
Following the latest turn of events, Fox Sports has escalated its legal actions, seeking the arrest of Jesús Martínez for his refusal to adhere to the court's precautionary measures. This situation has riled up both the sporting world and legal circles, where Paulo Díez, an attorney for the broadcasting company, commented on the implications of such defiance: "When a company acts outside the law without receiving the corresponding sanctions, it generates an atmosphere of impunity that affects the entire industry."
To add to the turmoil, rumors have surfaced regarding the potential exclusion of either Pachuca or León from the upcoming FIFA tournament, posing a significant threat to both clubs. In light of these speculations, both teams have taken to social media to firmly deny any claims regarding their exclusion from the competition. They have maintained that they have not received any official notification from FIFA or the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) regarding their eligibility for the Club World Cup.
Club de Futbol Pachuca released a statement emphasizing its compliance, asserting, “The Club de Futbol Pachuca wishes to clarify that it has not received notification from FIFA or TAS regarding our involvement in the 2025 Club World Cup. Any information that may have been circulated about this matter is speculative.”
Similarly, Club León reinforced its commitment and stance, stating, “Club León has not been notified by FIFA or any international sports organization about its exclusion from the 2025 Club World Cup. Any information released today regarding our participation stems from misinterpretation or dubious information; we reiterate: Club León has not been notified in any case.”
Both clubs have secured their spots in the Club World Cup by winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2023 and 2024, respectively. However, they now find themselves teetering on the brink of exclusion, as FIFA has identified Grupo Pachuca’s dual ownership as a potential violation of tournament regulations. FIFA’s guidelines explicitly state that to safeguard the integrity of the competition, participating clubs must meet specific ownership criteria, which mandates adherence from the time of application until the tournament concludes.
The dual ownership issue has raised significant concerns among fans and football analysts alike, as it not only threatens the clubs' participation but may also reshape the landscape of Mexican football on the international stage. The stakes are high as both Pachuca and León consider their next steps; appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) could be the route taken to clarify their eligibility and ensure that both clubs maintain their places in the 2025 World Cup.
In summary, the unfolding saga of Grupo Pachuca encapsulates a broader narrative about the complexities of sports ownership and regulatory compliance. With the clock ticking down to the tournament, there remains an air of uncertainty regarding what lies ahead for these Mexican football clubs. Legal maneuvers, potential sanctions, and the ongoing debates surrounding their qualifications set the stage for a remarkable clash not just for titles, but for the very essence of fair play in the world of football.
