FIFA Confirms Club León’s Removal From Club World Cup After Failed Appeal

‎Mexico’s Club León will not participate in this year’s Club World Cup after their appeal was rejected on Tuesday.

‎FIFA removed the team from the tournament due to a breach of ownership rules.

‎The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected the appeal by Leon who had qualified by winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2023.

‎”This is the greatest damage done to a team that has always competed with humility and honesty,” Leon said in a statement.

‎”The only thing left for us is to win again to regain the place on the field that was taken from us. Have no doubt, as long as no one prevents us from doing so again, we will do it.”

‎The expanded 32-team Club World Cup will be held in the United States from June 14 to July 13, with $1 billion in prize money at stake. 

‎This tournament includes the winners of each confederation’s top club competitions.

‎Additionally, teams qualified based on their rankings, which are determined by their performance over the last four years.

‎FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that the organization plans to arrange a playoff between Los Angeles FC and Club America to determine which team will take the place of León in the tournament.