Following the disqualification of the Mexican side Club Leon from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, it has now been reportedly revealed who could be their replacement.
The Federation International Football Association (FIFA) had on Friday confirmed the exclusion of León from the Club World Cup due to violations of its multi-ownership rules.
This decision stems from the shared ownership of Club León and Pachuca, which contravenes FIFA regulations. Currently, FIFA has not officially revealed León's substitute.
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León was placed in Group D alongside Brazilian team Club Flamengo, English powerhouse Chelsea FC, and Bafana Bafana player Elias Mokwana's club Esperance de Tunis.
With now questions arising regarding the matter, multiple reports have claimed that Costa Rican club Liga Deportiva Alajuelense has emerged as a possible candidate to fill the void left by Liga MX club León at the Club World Cup tournament.
Alajuelense are believed to have filed a complaint regarding the multi-ownership concern, which could have initiated the process leading to Club León's exclusion from the competition.
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In addition, it has been reported that the Central American club has even brought their case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in their pursuit of the position.
However, while FIFA has yet to identify a replacement, CONCACAF, a FIFA continental governing body in America, has voiced their support for León, who intends to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport following their club's removal from the event.
Currently, investigations into this issue are ongoing, conducted by an independent committee assigned by FIFA, which requires León to prove that they operate as separate entities.