Club Leon Disqualified from 2025 Club World Cup Over FIFA Ownership Rules

The 2025 Club World Cup has rejected Mexican football club Club Leon because FIFA found their participation in breach of the multi-club ownership rules. Announced on March 21, 2025, this decision caused major disruptions across the football world since it denied fans their highly anticipated chance to see James Rodríguez represent Colombia.

Two Liga MX clubs CF Pachuca and Club Leon receive ownership from Grupo Pachuca. The expansion of the tournament featured 32 teams where both clubs secured their spots for the United States competition running from June 14 to July 13, 2025. Leon qualified for the competition after winning the 2023 Concacaf Champions League and Pachuca received their spot by winning the 2024 Concacaf Champions League. Under FIFA rules a single individual or entity must not control multiple clubs that participate in competition because the regulations aim to protect fairness and integrity.

The FIFA Appeal Committee reviewed all evidence which led them to decide that the clubs did not comply with required criteria so they eliminated Leon from tournament participation. A new team will be selected soon to replace Leon although FIFA has yet to share any immediate plans regarding the decision. Pachuca remains the only participating team for Grupo Pachuca but Leon must accept their elimination from competition despite strong on-field performance.

Various entities challenge this decision. Club Leon alongside Grupo Pachuca dedicated themselves to file appeals through multiple sports courts up to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Further appeals during May would introduce additional delays to tournament preparations. The loss for Leon became heavier because James Rodríguez agreed to sign with the team after he saw Group D included top opponents like Chelsea, Flamengo and ES Tunis.

Fans together with sports analysts ask themselves how this decision will modify the Club World Cup while wondering about Leon's chances of reversing FIFA's strong stance regarding multiple club ownership. The football world continues to observe this ongoing story develop.