FIFA Expels Club Leon from Club World Cup Due to Ownership Rules

FIFA has expelled Club Leon from the Club World Cup due to a breach of multi-ownership rules. The Mexican team's parent company also owns Pachuca, another competing team, prompting FIFA to disqualify Club Leon from the tournament.

FIFA has announced that Club Leon, a Mexican football team, will be expelled from the upcoming Club World Cup. The decision was made due to a conflict of interest, as Club Leon and Pachuca, another participating team, share the same ownership group.

INACEPTABLE pic.twitter.com/tV9Y4Bf8ZF

— Club León (@clubleonfc) March 21, 2025

According to FIFA regulations, multi-ownership is not permitted in the Club World Cup, meaning that two teams belonging to the same group cannot compete in the tournament. As a result, FIFA has deemed Club Leon ineligible to participate, citing non-compliance with these regulations.

FIFA is expected to announce a replacement team for Club Leon in the Club World Cup shortly. Pachuca, who won the 2024 CONCACAF Champions League, will still participate in the competition as scheduled.

⛔️🇲🇽 OFFICIAL: Club León from Mexico have been kicked out of the Club World Cup.

Decision made by FIFA due to multi-club ownership rules with replacement to be announced soon.

It also means James Rodriguez won’t be part of the competitions. pic.twitter.com/CZkiAS8u02

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 21, 2025

The decision to expel Club Leon from the Club World Cup follows disciplinary proceedings initiated against both Club Leon and Pachuca, which are owned by the Pachuca Group. The case was escalated directly to the FIFA Appeals Committee for review.

After examining the evidence, the chairman of the FIFA Appeals Committee determined that Club Leon and Pachuca failed to meet the multiple ownership criteria outlined in Article 10, paragraph 1, of the tournament regulations. Consequently, FIFA ruled that Club Leon is ineligible to participate in the Club World Cup.

FIFA has confirmed that the vacant spot left by Club Leon's expulsion will be filled by another club, which will be announced shortly. Club Leon was originally part of Group D, alongside Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance de Tunis. The new team will join this group, altering the dynamics of the competition.