FIFA’s decision to exclude Club Leon from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has sparked controversy—and a legal challenge. After taking the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the Mexican club, led by Colombian star James Rodriguez, is now awaiting a final verdict, hoping to regain its place in the prestigious tournament.
The governing body’s March decision was based on Article 10 of its tournament regulations, which states: “No individual or legal entity may control or exercise influence over more than one club participating in the competition.” FIFA claimed that Club Leon failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove independence from Grupo Pachuca, the ownership group that also controls fellow participant CF Pachuca.
According to ESPN, Leon’s appeal was heard on Monday at CAS headquarters in Switzerland. The hearing reportedly lasted more than six hours, with a final ruling expected Tuesday morning (European time). A favorable verdict would reinstate Leon’s eligibility for the tournament, scheduled to kick off on June 14 in the United States.
James Rodriguez speaks out against FIFA
The decision caught many off guard—particularly León fans who had already begun planning their trip to support the team at the Club World Cup. James Rodriguez, one of the squad’s biggest stars, didn’t hold back in criticizing FIFA’s handling of the situation.
“I think there are interests that go beyond many things. I have doubts about all of that. It’s strange. I believe there’s a big interest in making sure someone else is there. I think FIFA needs to step up. I have doubts, I really do. And I believe soccer is being stained,” the Colombian star said in a press conference on March.
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Who could replace Club Leon?
With the CAS decision expected within hours, speculation has grown over which team could replace León if the ruling goes against them. FIFA president Gianni Infantino spoke with ESPN’s Carlos Nava, outlining a possible solution:
“The decision (for the vacant spot) may possibly be to play a match, a playoff between the team that lost the Champions Cup final to Leon, which is LAFC, and the next team in the ranking, which is America. Then we’ll see.”
