FIFA removes Leon from Club World Cup

Club Leon have been removed from this summer's Club World Cup by Fifa after failing to meet tournament regulations on multi-club ownership.

The Mexican side had been scheduled to face Chelsea in their opening fixture of the 32-team competition which takes place between 14 June – 13 July in the United States.

However, the world governing body determined that they and another team from Mexico, Pachuca, did not comply with rules that do not allow clubs to directly or indirectly hold or deal in the securities or shares of another participating in the competition.

Both clubs are owned by Grupo Pachuca and Fifa said in a statement that a replacement for Leon will "be announced in due course".

Leon disagreed with Fifa's decision and said they would appeal to the sport's highest courts if they were denied a place at the event.

"In the last few months we have presented all the evidence and documents confirming that Club Leon manages itself in an autonomous manner in all economic, administrative and sporting aspects," the club added.

The decision to allow both teams to enter had been challenged by a Costa Rican club, Deportiva Alajuelense, who lifted the 2023 Central American Cup. It was the same year Leon were crowned winners of the Concacaf Champions Cup, a competition won in 2024 by Pachuca, whose place has not been affected.

Chelsea were due to face Leon on 16 June in Atlanta, with Flamengo of Brazil and Tunisian side Esperance, also in Group D.

A Fifa spokseperson 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."