Arbitration court confirms appeals from León and Pachuca, sets date for the hearing on Club World Cup status

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced that it has accepted León's appeals against FIFA's decision to exclude the team from participating in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup due to a violation of the multiple ownership regulations.

Officially, La Fiera will now have the opportunity to defend their case and seek reinstatement in the tournament.

“Pachuca and Club León submitted appeals to annul the FIFA Appeals Committee's decision and declare that the clubs meet the eligibility requirements for the Club World Cup. Club León also filed an additional appeal against the decision made by FIFA’s Secretary General to exclude them from the competition,” CAS announced.

León was originally expelled from the Club World Cup due to a violation of the multiple ownership rules, which restrict clubs with shared ownership from participating in the tournament. However, León appealed this decision, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has now accepted their appeal.

The hearing to listen to León’s arguments will take place during the week of May 5. If successful, León could be reinstated, or if not, América and LAFC are considered potential replacements for the Esmeraldas in Group D, which includes Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance Sportive de Tunis.

"Pachuca and Club León filed appeals seeking to annul the decision by the FIFA Appeal Committee and declare that the clubs comply with the Club World Cup eligibility requirements. Club León filed an additional appeal against the decision by the FIFA Secretary General to be reinstated in the competition.

"The Parties are currently exchanging written submissions for these appeals in accordance with the arbitration rules governing CAS procedures. The appeals will be expedited and heard during the week of 5 May 2025.

"CAS proceedings are ongoing for a separate appeal by Asociación Liga Deportiva Alajuelense (LDA) against Club León, Pachuca and FIFA, filed in February 2025. LDA considers that Club Leon and Pachuca's participation in the Club World Cup was contrary to regulations and that one of the clubs, or both, should be removed. The LDA appeal also requests that LDA should be admitted to the competition in place of a removed team as the next eligible club. This case will be heard by CAS in person in Madrid on 23 April 2025."

León and James Rodríguez are going through their worst moment in Liga MX. The team, coached by Eduardo Berizzo, is on a three-game losing streak in the Clausura 2025, but this hasn’t stopped them from staying near the top of the standings after a strong start to the season.

They currently sit in third place with 25 points and will face Querétaro tonight in Matchday 14. Meanwhile, the Colombian midfielder is on a five-match goal drought with his new team.