Why was Mexican club Leon removed from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?

The newly revamped tournament will take place in the USA across June and July and will feature 32 different teams from around the globe and the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid and Boca Juniors. 

However, one of those teams has now been axed following an announcement from football's governing body. 

Why has Club Leon been removed from the FIFA Club World Cup? 

The decision to remove Club Leon was due to the Mexican side's non-compliance with multi-ownership rules.

Grupo Pachuca owns both Leon and fellow Mexican club Pachuca. It is against FIFA regulations for two clubs with the same ownership to compete in the same competition. 

Following an investigation, the FIFA Appeals Committee concluded that the two clubs did not meet the multiple ownership criteria.

Pachuca are currently the reigning 2024 CONCACAF Champions League holders and will remain in the tournament as a result of this. 

Who will replace Leon in the FIFA Club World Cup?

FIFA have said that a replacement for Leon will be announced shortly and will fill the vacant spot in Group D alongside Chelsea, Flamengo and Esperance de Tunis. 

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