Chelsea have experienced a significant change to their Club World Cup schedule approximately three months before the competition begins.
Originally, The Blues were scheduled to play against Leon of Mexico in their first match of the summer tournament. However, they will now face a different opponent after Fifa excluded the Liga MX club.
Credit: Getty
Credit: Getty
Leon, currently second in Liga MX, failed to meet multi-club ownership regulations related to the competition, resulting in their ban from participation.
Leon is part of the Grupo Pachuca multi-club ownership group, which also includes another Liga MX team, CF Pachuca.
Because Pachuca is also participating in the Club World Cup, Fifa decided that Leon must be removed from the tournament.
A statement from Fifa stated: "Following disciplinary actions initiated against CF Pachuca and Club Leon, the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided to refer the case directly to the FIFA Appeal Committee, as per article 56 paragraph 3 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code."
"After reviewing all the evidence, the chairman of the FIFA Appeal Committee concluded that CF Pachuca and Club León did not meet the multi-club ownership criteria outlined in article 10 paragraph 1 of the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025."
"In accordance with article 10 paragraph 4 of the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, FIFA has determined that Club León will be withdrawn from the competition. The replacement club will be announced in due course."
A replacement for Leon has not yet been decided, but an announcement is expected soon.
Liga Deportiva Alajuelense from Costa Rica originally brought the case against Pachuca and Leon to Fifa, hoping to enter the competition as the highest-ranked North American team not already qualified.
Chelsea’s Club World Cup Fixtures
Here’s a look at Chelsea’s group stage matches for the Club World Cup this summer…
- June 16 – Chelsea vs TBC (Leon replacement), 8pm, Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- June 20 – Flamengo vs Chelsea, 7pm, Lincoln Financial Field
- June 25 – ES Tunis vs Chelsea, 2am, Lincoln Financial Field
Los Angeles FC were runners-up to Leon in the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup, and Columbus Crew were runners-up to Pachuca in the 2024 edition.
Both American teams may argue they have a claim to fill the vacant spot left by Leon.
Leon has issued a statement expressing their intention to appeal the decision in court if they are prevented from participating.
The statement read: "Club Leon disagrees with FIFA’s decision, which could exclude us from the upcoming Club World Cup."
"The decision regarding which team will not participate in the tournament rests with the organization’s Secretary General, who will inform us in the coming days."
"In recent months, we have provided all necessary evidence and documents confirming Club Leon’s autonomous operation in all financial, administrative, and sporting aspects."
"Should Club Leon be prevented from participating in the 2025 Club World Cup, despite rightfully earning a place, we will pursue the matter to the fullest extent possible in the highest sporting courts."
CF Pachuca has also released a statement indicating they will take action.
It added: "In our case, we will defend our on-field achievements in a fair, professional manner, and in compliance with competition rules."
The CONCACAF representation in the Club World Cup currently includes three teams: Monterrey, Seattle Sounders FC, and Pachuca.
A replacement for Leon would likely also come from North America.
Grupo Puchuca owner Jesus Martinez stated last year his willingness to sell his controlling stake in Leon if it would allow them to compete in the Club World Cup.
Martinez said: "We informed Fifa at the last Liga MX owners’ meetings that Leon is the team we intend to sell control of."
"We plan to relinquish the majority stake in the club before 2027. However, we intend to maintain some level of sports control."
"Our goal is to contribute to the growth of the Mexican league, and if multi-property ownership is seen as detrimental, we are willing to cooperate in every way possible."
The remaining teams in Chelsea’s group are Brazilian side Flamengo and Tunisian team ES Tunis.
The revamped tournament, hosted in North America, is scheduled to begin in June.
Credit: EPA
