Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, the most successful football club in Costa Rica, is seeking a place in the upcoming Club World Cup set for next summer and is prepared to pursue legal measures if their request is rejected.

Alajuelense boasts an impressive record of 30 league titles and is urging FIFA to uphold its regulations that prevent clubs under the same ownership from competing simultaneously in the tournament.

In a recent press statement, the club articulated, “Our request aligns with the eligibility criteria established in the tournament’s guidelines.”

According to club representative Marco Vazquez, two Mexican clubs, Leon and Pachuca, share ownership under Jesus Martinez of Grupo Pachuca.

“It’s clear from FIFA’s rules that multiple ownership is not allowed,” Vazquez stated. “There are two Mexican teams owned by the same individual, and we believe FIFA should adhere to its own regulations.”

The Club World Cup, which has expanded from seven to 32 teams, is scheduled to take place in the United States from June to July next year.

“We have engaged a law firm in Spain to assist us with any legal steps we may need to take,” Vazquez explained regarding their intent to challenge the situation.

At this time, FIFA has not issued a public response to Alajuelense’s request and has not provided comments when approached for clarification.

Alajuelense ranks as the top team in Central America in the CONCACAF standings but sits at 40th in the overall regional ranking.

The CONCACAF region has four positions reserved for the Club World Cup, with Seattle Sounders, Monterrey, Leon, and Pachuca confirmed as qualifiers, while Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami is set to appear as a guest team.

All five clubs are expected to participate in the draw scheduled for December 5 in Miami.

In Mexico, along with Leon and Pachuca, several other groups possess ownership of multiple top-division clubs. Grupo Caliente controls both Tijuana and Queretaro, while Grupo Orlegi oversees Atlas and Santos, and TV Azteca has interests in Mazatlan and partial ownership in Puebla.

In May 2023, Liga MX announced a ban on multi-ownership, granting club owners a four-year grace period to divest their interests.

Jesus Martinez Murguia, the individual in charge of Leon, indicated intentions to sell part of his stake in the club to comply with the new rules, though he will still retain some level of ownership.