FIFA is reportedly considering LAFC from MLS and Club America from Mexico as potential replacements for Club Leon in the Club World Cup. Club Leon was removed from the competition earlier this month for violating competition rules.
According to ESPN, LAFC is a contender because they were the runner-up in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League, the tournament that qualified Club Leon for the Club World Cup. Club America is also being considered as the highest-ranked Concacaf team not already qualified for the expanded 32-team Club World Cup. FIFA is thinking about a possible playoff game between LAFC and Club America to decide who takes the open spot, but these plans are not yet finalized.
Club Leon was excluded from the Club World Cup after Costa Rican club Alajuelense filed a complaint with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in February. Alajuelense argued that Club Leon violated rules regarding club ownership. FIFA rules prevent clubs with the same ownership group from participating in the Club World Cup. After determining that Grupo Pachuca owned both Club Leon and Pachuca, FIFA decided to remove Club Leon on March 23.
Club Leon has appealed this decision to CAS, with a hearing scheduled for April 23 in Madrid. LAFC and Club America are preparing legal documents by Wednesday to present their arguments during the CAS proceedings. Alajuelense will also be present to argue their case. FIFA will wait for the CAS decision before officially replacing Club Leon.
The team that ultimately fills the Club World Cup slot will be placed in a group with Chelsea from England, Esperance de Tunis from Tunisia, and Flamengo from Brazil in the group stage in June.
As FIFA deals with this situation, here’s a look at some possible – and less likely – teams that could take the final spot in the Club World Cup.
LAFC
The most straightforward option is LAFC. Since Club Leon qualified by winning the 2023 Concacaf Champions League, it makes sense that the runner-up, LAFC, would be next in line.
Club America
Club America is another strong possibility, although slightly more complex. FIFA has used a four-year ranking system in some confederations to determine Club World Cup participants. While these rankings may differ from individual confederation rankings, they have generally been accepted. If FIFA uses Concacaf rankings, Club America is the highest-ranked team not yet qualified. However, Club America`s coach, Andre Jardine, has mixed feelings about his team`s potential participation.
Jardine stated to ESPN that he believes León deserves to go to the Club World Cup and hopes they find a solution. However, if that doesn`t happen, he acknowledges that América has performed well over time and is highly ranked. While winning the Concacaf Champions Cup is a primary goal, and they are leading in Mexican tournaments and Concacaf rankings, Jardine prefers to qualify for the Club World Cup by winning on the field.
Club Leon
There is still a chance Club Leon could win their appeal, making this entire situation moot. However, FIFA’s Club World Cup ownership rules are quite clear, stating that no entity can control more than one participating club. Although the CAS appeal hearing is weeks away, Club Leon has outlined their basic argument.
In response to their expulsion, Club Leon released a statement saying they disagree with the decision and will appeal to the highest sports authorities. They claim to have provided full proof and documentation of their administrative and sporting independence. They intend to defend what they earned on the field by adhering to all competition rules.
Alajuelense
Alajuelense initiated this situation with their February CAS complaint, boldly claiming they have a greater right to participate in the Club World Cup than Leon due to the multi-ownership issue. However, it`s unclear what right they are referring to. Alajuelense was eliminated by LAFC in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League semifinals, not by Club Leon. It`s unlikely they would qualify through other methods, but they will present their case on April 23 to have any chance.
The long shots
Recent reports suggest FIFA will seek the most logical replacement, although FIFA`s decisions are not always predictable. The expanded 32-team Club World Cup has faced criticism for fixture congestion and challenges in securing venues, broadcast partners, and sponsors. The qualification process itself, using a confusing four-year ranking, and the controversial selection of Inter Miami over MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy as a host nation representative, have added to the issues.
Despite FIFA claiming Inter Miami`s selection was a reward for winning the Supporters` Shield, many saw it as a move driven by Lionel Messi`s popularity and commercial potential. This context makes it conceivable that FIFA might choose a random team to boost the appeal of the somewhat disorganized and unpopular competition.
Al-Nassr: Following the Inter Miami selection, some cynics speculated that Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr could be invited. However, this hasn`t happened, and arguably, the Club World Cup is better off from a sporting perspective.
Barcelona: Commercial appeal is likely a factor in considering potential replacements. Barcelona`s absence from the Club World Cup might be seen as a missed opportunity for revenue, especially with the possibility of a match against Real Madrid. While coaches and players might not mind missing it, the financially strained club could benefit from the additional income.
Manchester United: Like Barcelona, Manchester United could be considered if FIFA opts for a commercially driven replacement. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe focusing on cost-cutting and maximizing profits, participating in the Club World Cup could align with their financial strategy, even if it adds to fixture congestion.
