FIFA Club World Cup 2025 thrown into disarray

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, the first edition with a ‘new and improved’ 32-team format, which will be hosted in the United States, has been thrown into disarray by the removal of Mexico’s Club León, for whom former Real Madrid playmaker James Rodríguez stars.

Why have Club León been kicked out of the FIFA Club World Cup?

FIFA have kicked the Liga MX club out of the upcoming competition due to its infringement of multi-club ownership rules.

Both León and Pachuca, who have also qualified, are owned by Group Pachuca, making one of the two ineligible for the tournament. FIFA have ultimately decided to remove Los Panzas Verdes.

The two clubs had qualified as the last two winners of the CONCACAF Champions League/Cup. The fact Pachuca were the most recent victors may have swayed FIFA’s thoughts, although the governing body has yet to confirm how they came to the decision.

Who will replace León in the FIFA Club World Cup?

León had been due to play in Group D alongside Premier League club Chelsea, Brazilian giants Flamengo and Tunisia’s Espérance de Tunis.

FIFA have stated that a replacement will be announced “in due course”. In theory, the Mexicans’ expulsion means another North American, Central American or Caribbean club should take their place to take the number of CONCACAF representatives, excluding “hosts” Inter Miami, back up to four.

The tournament will take place at 12 venues in 11 cities across the United States between June 14 and July 13. Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and PSG are among the favorites to win.

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