FIFA proposes America-Los Angeles FC for vacant Club World Cup berth

A FIFA spokesman told 'Agencia EFE' on Sunday that it is “considering” a match between three-time Mexican football champion America and Los Angeles FC (LAFC) of the United States, in which the winner will replace Leon in the next Club World Cup.

“FIFA can confirm that it is considering a play off match between LAFC and Club America for the right to participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, replacing Club Leon. Further details will be provided in due course,” the spokesperson said.

On March 21st, FIFA announced in a press release that, after a disciplinary procedure, initially evaluated by the Disciplinary Committee and then transferred to the Appeals Committee, Leon will not be able to participate in the World Cup because it shares ownership with another member of the competition: Pachuca.

Both Leon and the 'Tuzos' are part of the Pachuca Group, which also includes Real Oviedo and Everton of Chile. In view of this decision, the 'Panzas Verdes' appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

If the court does not change FIFA's decision, the football regulatory body explained that it is likely that the match between the 'Aguilas' and LAFC will take place.

“LAFC would participate in the duel because it was the runner-up in the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2023 won by Leon. America would participate because it is the top-ranked CONCACAF team in the FIFA Club World Cup rankings,” added FIFA.

This year's Club World Cup will be the first to be contested by 32 teams and will take place from June 14th to July 13th in the United States.

Leon, led by Colombian James Rodriguez, and Pachuca are two of the four teams that earned their place by winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup.