Los Angeles FC (LAFC) and Club América of Liga MX will compete in a decisive playoff match on May 31 at LAFC’s BMO Stadium. This matchup will determine which team will take the place of Club León in the upcoming Club World Cup set to take place next month in the United States. This change comes after Club León’s legal bid against FIFA was unsuccessful, as they were ruled out due to multi-club ownership regulations that also affected their affiliate, Pachuca.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) recently confirmed its decision to dismiss León’s appeal regarding their exclusion from the tournament, stating that both León and Pachuca did not satisfy the requirements of FIFA’s regulations concerning multiple club ownership. León’s participation was initially confirmed after they won the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup, but the situation took a turn as their legal struggles with FIFA unfolded.
In their statement, Club León expressed disappointment, emphasizing the impact of the ruling on their fans and players, and criticizing the lack of acknowledgment of sporting principles in the decision.
Meanwhile, Pachuca remains eligible to participate in the tournament after securing their spot through the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup. The winner of the upcoming playoff between LAFC and Club América stands to gain nearly $10 million from the Club World Cup’s prize fund, part of a massive $1 billion pool allocated for the tournament.
This playoff holds significant stakes, as the victorious team will not only qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 but also face prominent teams like Chelsea, Esperance, and Flamengo in their group matches.
The development underscores a robust competitive spirit as teams vie for coveted spots in international tournaments, reflecting the dynamic landscape of football. This situation also provides an opportunity for both LAFC and Club América to showcase their talents on the world stage, offering fans an exciting matchup to look forward to.