FIFA’s decision to exclude Club León from the 2025 Club World Cup due to multi-ownership rules has created significant turmoil in Liga MX. The ruling, based on regulations prohibiting multiple teams under single ownership, has raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the competition.
FIFA‘s decision to exclude Club León from the 2025 Club World Cup due to its affiliation with Grupo Pachuca has sent shockwaves through Liga MX. FIFA’s regulations prohibit participation of multiple teams under the same ownership, and with Pachuca already qualified, León was deemed ineligible.
This decision has major implications for the Club World Cup and the Mexican football landscape. The decision highlights FIFA’s commitment to upholding its rules and enforcing its regulations.
Journalist Edgar Valero reported on X that FIFA is considering unprecedented sanctions against other Liga MX teams with multi-ownership structures. This could include suspension from international competitions. The move suggests a potential wider crackdown on multi-ownership structures. The decision to punish Club León has created uncertainty within the Liga MX and has raised concerns about the future of multi-ownership.
Club León, challenging the ruling, has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Their argument is that they qualified for the Club World Cup in 2023, before the multi-ownership rule was implemented in 2024. However, this appeal could backfire, potentially prompting a more extensive FIFA response. The response of FIFA suggests that it is taking the matter very seriously.
Potential impact of FIFA sanctions on Liga MX
A FIFA-mandated suspension of Liga MX teams with multi-ownership structures from international competitions would have a devastating impact on Mexican soccer. Teams from Grupo Pachuca (Pachuca, Club León), Grupo Orlegi (Santos, Atlas), and others could face exclusion from prestigious tournaments like the Concacaf Champions League. The move could redefine the Mexican soccer landscape and the teams’ ability to compete at an international level.
Liga MX president Mikel Arriola stated that the league and the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) will support Club León’s appeal to FIFA. He also confirmed that they would push to retain at least one Mexican team in the Club World Cup, emphasizing their determination to defend Mexico’s three allocated spots.
Arriola has stated that he is in constant contact with all involved parties and is committed to supporting the club. The response from the league’s management suggests its dedication to ensuring that Mexican soccer teams have an opportunity to compete on the world stage. The events highlight the increasing importance of adhering to FIFA’s rules and regulations and maintaining the integrity of football competitions.
