Top-tier Mexican soccer side Club Leon have been stopped from taking part in the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup over issues around multi-club ownership.
FIFA made its ruling after determining that Leon and fellow Mexican side Pachuca do not comply with the governing body’s rules around clubs not being permitted to involve themselves in the securities or shares of another team taking part in the same competition, with both Leon and Pachuca set to take part in the CWC later this year.
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Both clubs are ultimately owned by Grupo Pachuca – specifically by Mexican businessman Jose de Jesus Martinez Patino.
FIFA began an investigation in November last year, via an independent committee, with representatives from both teams able to put forward a case for their independence from each other.
The initial acceptance of both teams into the competition was first challenged by Costa Rican team Deportiva Alajuelense, who lifted the Central American Cup competition in 2023 – the same year as Leon won the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Pachuca, meanwhile, won the latter competition last year, meaning their CWC berth is unaffected.
A FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA takes note of the decision by the Fifa Appeal Committee which followed an independent process.
"The integrity of all competitions is paramount, and further details will be provided in due course in line with article 10.4 of the Fifa Club World Cup Regulations 2025.”
Article 10 of the regulations for that tournament states: “No person or legal entity may control or exert influence over more than one club participating in the competition.”
However, Grupo Pachuca has said it will appeal to the necessary sporting courts, and stated that “in the last few months we have presented all the evidence and documents confirming that Club Leon autonomously manages itself in all economic, administrative, and sporting aspects.”
The group added: “We do not agree with this decision, which we will apply until the last instances with the highest sports authorities, since all the proof and documentation shows our administrative and sporting independence were presented with full opportunity and transparency.”
The 32-team CWC – which FIFA has suggested to clubs will be an extremely lucrative tournament for participants – takes place in the US between June 14 and July 13.
Leon had been due to face Chelsea, of English soccer’s Premier League, in their first game on June 16 – FIFA have said the Mexican side’s replacement will “be announced in due course.”
