Grupo Pachuca is currently facing a critical dilemma that could result in one of its teams losing a spot in the 2025 Club World Cup. Recent reports suggest that either Pachuca or León may be excluded from the tournament due to FIFA’s regulations, which prohibit multi-ownership of clubs participating in the competition. FIFA mandates that each qualified club must operate independently, a requirement that the organization’s management has yet to demonstrate.
As reported by ESPN, representatives from the club have met with FIFA in an attempt to prove the independence of their teams, but so far, they have not convinced the governing body. The rule is clear: no individual or legal entity can control or influence more than one team in the tournament, putting both Mexican clubs’ participation in jeopardy for the upcoming edition of the Club World Cup, which is set to take place in the United States.
In response to this uncertainty, there has been talk of selling Club León as a drastic measure to avoid disqualification. However, no official decision has been made yet, and the management is still considering appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to defend their right to compete. “This is a right that was earned on the field,” said sources close to the matter.
Amid these speculations, both Pachuca and León have issued statements denying any official notification from FIFA about their potential exclusion.
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“Any information circulating on this issue is purely speculative. We have met all the requirements and have full confidence in our participation in the tournament,” said a statement from Pachuca.
If one of the teams is eventually excluded, FIFA’s regulations state that their spot would be given to the highest-ranked Central American team in the CONCACAF standings, which is currently held by Liga Deportiva Alajuelense of Costa Rica.
