FifaS decision to remove James RodriguezS Club Leon from it 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Come as a shock – especially considering how far in advance it was done. Now, with a place vacant, The governing body reportedly has two leading candidates to take the Mexican club’s place in the tournament.
The club Leon was disqualified after failing to provide adequate evidence to disprove its link to Grupo Pachuca, who also owns colleague Liga MSide Pachuca CF. This connection violated FIFA’s rules for owning several clubs. León had been placed in Group D along with Brazil FlemishTunisia Tunis Sports Esperanceand England Chelsea fc.
Even team star James Rodriguez publicly criticized FIFA’s handling of the situation at a press conference and said: “It is not fair to anyone – for the whole club that has achieved fantastic things. And especially to all people who have spent money; Fans who went to debt just to be able to go … I think there is a great interest in making sure someone else is there. I think Fifa must rise. I have doubt, I really do. “
Although they won the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup to earn their place, Club Leon now seems unlikely to participate, because Fifa seems stuck in its decision. With that, two clubs have emerged as the Frontrunnarna to enter.
LAFC and Club America reportedly in battle to replace Club Leon
According to ESPNThe Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC and Liga MX’s Club América are the two main candidates replacing Club Leon in 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Although no final decision has been made, FIFA reportedly considers a playoff from head-to-head between the two teams to decide who gets the place.
See also
Cristiano Ronaldo was reportedly able to make a final move to participate in 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
The official announcement will probably come after Arbitration Court for Sport (CAS) Rules on the club Leon’s appeal, with a resolution expected by April 23. Only then will FIFA confirm whether the playoffs will take place.
As ESPN Reports, FIFA also released a statement explaining why LAFC and Club América are considered: “LAFC would participate as runner to Club Leon in Concacaf Champions League 2023 through which the club Leon had qualified. Club America would participate as the highest ranked team In the FIFA Club World Cup Confederation Ranking by which qualification is also determined.
“The winner of Play-off would qualify unless legal procedures are otherwise“The statement ended. With Club World Cup scheduled to start on June 15Questions remain not only about who will replace the club Leon – but if the Mexican club will officially be expelled at all, waiting for the CAS decision.
