Club World Cup drama: Chelsea await new opponents for opening fixture of revamped tournament after Liga MX side Leon BANNED for breaching FIFA rules

Three months ahead of their first game in the newly-revamped competition, the Mexican side were removed for allegedly violating FIFA's ownership rules. World football's governing body found Leon "failed to meet the criteria on multi-club ownership" due to them being part of the same group that owns fellow Liga MX club Pachuca, who will compete in the Club World Cup.

Following FIFA's ruling, a new club will be brought in to take their place, starting with a showdown against Enzo Maresca's Chelsea on June 16. They will also take on Brazilian side Flamengo and Tunisian club Esperance.

However, Leon are not going down without a fight, announcing they will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

"It is a cruel and unfair measure, one that we do not agree with, and we do not know who it benefits, but we do know who it harms: our fans," a statement from the club read.

"Leon complied with the corresponding processes at all times, submitting to all the required expert reports, hearings, and investigations. We are an independent, autonomous, and sovereign team. Let there be no doubt about it.

"Club Leon will appeal this decision in every possible way, and we will do everything we can to defend our place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup."

As Chelsea await news on their first opponents in the United States, Maresca will have his mind on his team's match against Tottenham in the Premier League on April 3.