In Lausanne, Switzerland, sport’s highest court announced on Friday it will conduct expedited appeals next month as the Mexican soccer team, León, seeks to contest a FIFA decision that removed it from participating in the Club World Cup set to take place in the United States.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) informed that both León and its partner club, Pachuca, have lodged appeals against last month’s FIFA verdict that effectively barred them from the tournament due to mutual ownership. This action violates FIFA’s regulations which prohibit teams with the same owner from competing simultaneously in the Club World Cup.
“Club León has filed an extra appeal against the FIFA secretary general’s decision to reinstate them in the competition,” CAS stated through an official announcement. The appeals are scheduled to be accelerated and examined during the week commencing May 5.
A specific date for the ruling was not provided. The outcome will determine the final berth in the 32-team roster for the tournament, which retains a duration of one month. The Mexican clubs secured their qualification by clinching the continental club titles within the CONCACAF region in separate years.
This week, FIFA disclosed a contingency plan for a single-match qualification playoff featuring Los Angeles FC and Mexico’s team América should its decision be upheld by CAS.
In an independent process handled by CAS, Costa Rica’s club Alajuelense is presenting its own case to claim the last spot. Entry into the tournament promises at least a $9.55 million remuneration, alongside a chance to earn a share from the $1 billion prize pool distributed according to performance. The tournament kicks off on June 14.
Alajuelense’s hearing is scheduled for April 23 in Madrid, although the priority lies with the León appeal.
FIFA had initially included León in the tournament draw held in December despite the lingering concerns regarding multi-club ownership. León was placed in a group alongside Chelsea, Tunisia’s Esperance, and Brazil’s Flamengo.