FIFA Plans One-Game Playoff to Replace Club León in 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
FIFA has announced intentions to organize a one-off playoff match between Club América and LAFC to potentially substitute Club León, which was recently disqualified from the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Club León’s Disqualification
On March 23, 2025, FIFA determined that Club León’s participation would contravene competition regulations aimed at ensuring that two clubs owned by the same entity cannot compete in the tournament. Club León is owned by Grupo Pachuca, which also owns another Liga MX team, Pachuca.
Legal Proceedings and Appeals
Should Club León’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) be unsuccessful, FIFA plans to proceed with organizing the playoff. The CAS hearing is set for April 23, 2025, where both Club León and Costa Rican club, Alajuelense, will present their arguments. Alajuelense’s complaint asserts that their team should be granted León’s spot, claiming that León’s presence violates FIFA regulations.
Both clubs must submit their legal documents by April 2nd; further plans will remain on hold pending the resolution of these legal disputes.
Qualification for the Playoff
LAFC, having finished as the runner-up in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League, will participate in the playoff, while Club América is set to join based on their standing in FIFA’s Club World Cup Union rankings.
Historical Context
This proposed playoff format finds precedence in UEFA practices, where previous scenarios allowed for adjustments in team selections when necessary, notably when Real Madrid won their UEFA Champions League titles.
Club América’s Outlook
In the wake of the ongoing situation, Club América head coach, André Jardin, expressed his hopes for a resolution that would allow León to participate. “Leon should go to the Club World Cup. I’m sad for the facility. I hope they find a solution so they can go,” Jardin stated, emphasizing that while Club América aspires to earn their place through competition, they recognize the current conditions.
Upcoming Tournament Details
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is scheduled to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium located in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
This report includes contributions from Omar Flores Aldana of ESPN Mexico.
This restructured article retains all essential details from the original while reimagining the presentation and flow for clarity and engagement. Each section is organized with clear headings, providing a concise summary of developments surrounding Club León’s disqualification and the subsequent playoff plans.
