Mexico's Club Leon banned from 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

FIFA announced the decision to kick Club Leon out of the Club World Cup, which is set to take place on from June 14 to July 13. The verdict came as a result of the club's violation of multi-club ownership regulations, given that they're owned by the same group as fellow Mexica participant Pachuca.

"Following disciplinary proceedings opened against CF Pachuca and Club Leon, the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided to refer the case directly to the FIFA Appeal Committee in accordance to article 56 paragraph 3 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code," FIFA wrote in a statement.

"After having evaluated all the evidence on file, the chairman of the FIFA Appeal Committee has decided that CF Pachuca and Club Leon failed to meet the criteria of the multi-club ownership defined under Article 10 paragraph 1 of the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

"In line with Article 10 paragraph 4 of the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, FIFA has determined that Club Leon will be removed from the competition, with the club to be admitted as a replacement to be announced in due course," the governing body's statement concludes.

The measure has been taken with just three months remaining until the start of the tournament, ruling out James Rodriguez from participating in the tournament. The newly revised competition will be held at 12 venues across the United States, with the final at the MetLife Stadium, in New Jersey.