In recent hours, FIFA’s decision to exclude Club León from the Club World Cup due to its multi-ownership case became public. This has removed the Emerald squad and all its stars from the competition. The decision has sparked reactions and discontent within the team and its leaders.
“Under Article 10, Section 4 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Regulations, FIFA has decided not to admit Club León to the competition and will announce the club that will replace it in due course,” the resolution states.
Club León is part of Grupo Pachuca. Among the clubs included in this group are Tuzos, Spain’s Real Oviedo, and Chile’s Everton.
The Emerald squad has questioned the tournament organizer’s decision. Club León’s leadership will pursue all appropriate channels to attempt to reverse this situation.
“We are an independent, autonomous, and sovereign team. Let there be no doubt (…) Club León will pursue all avenues to appeal this decision, which undermines the spirit of fair competition and affects many people: fans, staff, players, and coaches,” the team said in a statement.
Club León Deserves to Be in the World Cup
One of Club León’s leaders who spoke out against the decision was José Juan Vázquez. The “Gallito” believes the Emerald squad deserves to be in the competition due to the institution’s seriousness and its cultural contributions in its commitments.
“It’s heartbreaking because I think León’s fans deserve this and more. We know they’re always there supporting the team, that they’re a loyal fanbase, that they’re engaged, that they play their part, so I think they deserve to be in the Club World Cup,” Vázquez said in statements compiled by Récord.
Club León made a significant investment to strengthen its roster ahead of the 2025 Club World Cup. James Rodríguez and Andrés Guardado are two of the key players who may now lose the opportunity to participate in this competition under its new format.
“It’s sad because, as you mentioned, Andrés Guardado is also a legend who could contribute to the Club World Cup. So, we’re talking about good players. I’ve also seen León play some great matches, especially with James Rodríguez’s arrival. So, an investment was made, a strong squad was assembled to compete—and why not win it?—but oh well, it’s a shame,” he concluded.
Image: Opinion
