FIFA has ruled that Mexican Club León will be excluded from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to be held in the United States, due to a violation of regulations on multi-club ownership. León, alongside fellow Mexican club CF Pachuca—both under Grupo Pachuca ownership—came under scrutiny following a complaint by Costa Rican club Liga Deportiva Alajuelense. While Pachuca remains in the tournament, León will be replaced, though FIFA has yet to name the successor. With the expanded 32-team format offering $1 billion in prize money, the stakes are high, and the decision has stirred controversy across CONCACAF.

FIFA Confirms León’s Removal Due to Ownership Conflict

Club León has been disqualified from the Club World Cup after failing to comply with FIFA's multi-club ownership requirements.
FIFA’s Appeal Committee determined that both León and Pachuca violated ownership regulations designed to protect competition integrity. These stipulations prohibit any entity from exerting influence over more than one participating club, whether through direct management, sporting control, or financial interests. Though both clubs are owned by Grupo Pachuca, only León has been disqualified. The exact ownership clause breached was not specified in the ruling.

Alajuelense's Legal Challenge Triggers Investigation

The eligibility probe began after Costa Rica's Alajuelense filed a formal complaint against the Mexican clubs with FIFA in late 2023.
Alajuelense—winners of the 2023 Central American Cup—argued they were entitled to León’s place under FIFA’s Club World Cup regulations. When no immediate action followed, the club escalated the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), requesting a verdict at least one month prior to the tournament kickoff. Their appeal prompted disciplinary proceedings by FIFA, leading to the recent ruling.

Pachuca Keeps Its Spot Despite Shared Ownership

Curiously, CF Pachuca remains eligible for the competition, despite sharing ownership with the expelled León.
FIFA has offered no public explanation as to why only León faced removal while Pachuca’s qualification—earned by winning the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup—remains intact. Pachuca stated that they have not been provided with detailed reasoning behind the selective enforcement of the ownership regulations. The apparent inconsistency has fueled debate over the transparency of the decision-making process.

León Denounces Verdict, Vows to Appeal

Club León issued a firm response, asserting its autonomy and pledging to challenge the ruling in international sports courts.
In an official statement, León emphasized that it had submitted comprehensive documentation proving its independent operation across financial, administrative and sporting dimensions. The club expressed its disappointment with the verdict and warned that it would pursue legal recourse through the highest avenues available in global sport. León had been drawn into Group D alongside Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance, with their opening match slated for June 16 in Atlanta.

FIFA to Announce Replacement; Tournament Stakes Soar

FIFA confirmed León’s expulsion but has not yet named the club that will take its place in the 32-team tournament.
The inaugural edition of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup will run from June 14 to July 13, 2025, across cities in the United States. With a total prize pool of $1 billion on offer, the tournament has attracted global interest. Alajuelense remains a potential replacement, particularly given their legal involvement and regional success, but FIFA has made no official statement confirming their inclusion.

Expanded Format Places Greater Emphasis on Compliance

The controversy underscores the growing importance of governance and regulatory clarity in an era of globalized football investment.
As FIFA expands its flagship club competition, multi-club ownership models—common across Europe and Latin America—are coming under greater scrutiny. This case may set a precedent for how eligibility standards are applied in future tournaments. With billions at stake and global eyes on the event, the governing body’s ability to enforce consistent and transparent rules will be vital to the competition’s credibility.