FIFA Club World 2025: Club León (MEX) excluded for failing to comply with multi-club ownership rules

"In line with article 10 paragraph 4 of the regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, FIFA has determined that Club León (Liga MX) will be removed from the competition," announced the international body on 21/03/2025.

FIFA's decision comes after disciplinary proceedings were opened against the club and CF Pachuca, who also play in the Mexican top flight, both owned by Grupo Pachuca.

"The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided to refer the case directly to the FIFA Appeal Committee in accordance with article 56 paragraph 3 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. After having evaluated all evidence on file, the chairman of the FIFA Appeal Committee has decided that CF Pachuca and Club León failed to meet the criteria on multi-club ownership defined under article 10 paragraph 1 of the Regulations," explained FIFA.

Club León earned its place in the competition by winning the 2023 Concacaf Champions League. "This is a measure that is cruel, unfair. The club has submitted to all the expert reports, hearings and investigations, and provided all the documents requested by FIFA in a…