On Wednesday, FIFA’s appeals committee upheld the decision to exclude Mexican club Leon from the upcoming Club World Cup, scheduled to take place from June 15 to July 13 in the United States, without naming a replacement.
The committee’s 55-page ruling, which responded to an appeal put forward by both Mexican teams, cites the fact that Pachuca and Club Leon are under the same ownership, a situation that contravenes the regulations of the tournament.
According to the appeals committee, both Pachuca and Club Leon have violated rules as they “are controlled by the same individuals, who exert considerable influence over their respective decision-making processes.”
Club Leon was placed in Group D for the Club World Cup, alongside Chelsea (England), Esperance (Tunisia), and Flamengo (Brazil). The replacement for Leon will be selected from CONCACAF, although it does not necessarily have to be a Mexican side.
Last Friday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) acknowledged receipt of appeals from both Leon and Pachuca, seeking a ruling that would confirm their eligibility to participate in the Club World Cup, which contradicts FIFA’s earlier judgement against Leon.
In a ruling issued last month, the FIFA Appeals Committee determined that both clubs had breached competition regulations concerning the ownership of multiple clubs. As a consequence, Club Leon, led by Argentinian coach Eduardo Berizzo and featuring Colombian ex-FC Porto player James Rodriguez, was omitted from the tournament.
Furthermore, TAD disclosed that Leon has submitted an additional appeal against the FIFA Secretary General’s ruling, seeking reinstatement in the Club World Cup.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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