FIFA Drops Club León From Club World Cup – But Why?

FIFA has decided to exclude Mexican club Club León from the Club World Cup and is set to announce a replacement soon.

The decision was made because Pachuca, which also qualified for the competition by winning the 2024 CONCACAF Champions League, and León share the same ownership group, a situation that violates the regulations.

FIFA announced the exclusion of Club Leon from the 2025 Club World Cup due to non-compliance with multi-ownership rules, which prevent two clubs belonging to the same group from competing in the competition.

The decision comes after disciplinary proceedings were opened against Club Leon and Pachuca, both belonging to the Pachuca Group. The case was referred directly to the FIFA Appeals Committee.

After reviewing the evidence, the chairman of the Appeals Committee determined that the two clubs did not comply with the multiple ownership criteria outlined in Article 10, paragraph 1, of the tournament regulations. Consequently, FIFA ruled Club León ineligible to participate.

The same committee confirmed that the vacant spot will be filled by another club, which will be announced soon.

Club León was placed in Group D, alongside Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance de Tunis.