FIFA Bars León from Club World Cup

united states - Find out why FIFA removed Liga MX's León from the Club World Cup this summer. Will León be able to appeal? Get the latest updates.

FIFA Bars León from Club World Cup

FIFA announced that León will not participate in the upcoming Club World Cup due to ownership criteria violations.

Reason Behind FIFA's Ruling

• León and Pachuca failed to meet ownership criteria regarding multiple clubs.
• Both clubs belong to the same legal entity, violating the competition's regulations.

Ownership Investigation

FIFA began an investigation in 2024, allowing clubs to prove independence. León and Pachuca are owned by the same entity, Grupo Pachuca.

Legal Requirements

Regulations state no entity can control more than one club in the competition. Multi-club ownership is prohibited in Liga MX by 2027.

CAS Involvement

• León and Pachuca must prove independence before CAS.
• Costa Rican club Alajuelense filed a claim, demanding one Grupo Pachuca team's disqualification.
• CAS to decide by May 2025 on participation in the Club World Cup.