Club León spoke out after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled definitively and unappealably against the claim made by the Mexican institution, thus confirming that their exclusion from the 2025 Club World Cup is irreversible. The institution denounced the harshness of the ruling, the influence of rivals, the intense pressure, and the high stakes involved.
In a statement, Club León clarified that their claim was not economically motivated, but rather sports-related. They emphasized that they fought until the end to participate in the tournament, seeking the glory that can only be achieved on the field. They lamented the decision that prevents them from competing in the most important club-level tournament, despite having legitimately won the 2023 Concachampions.
The emotional impact of the process on players and fans was underscored by the club. León's exclusion was due to the application of Article 10.1 of the Club World Cup regulations, which prevents the joint participation of two clubs belonging to the same business group. Despite efforts to demonstrate independence from Pachuca, the CAS determined that there was no real separation of structures.
Now, FIFA must define which team will occupy the vacant spot in the tournament. Club León criticized FIFA in their statement, mentioning external pressures, lack of impartiality, and moral damage to their people. They emphasized the importance of honor as an non-negotiable value for the institution. With determination, the club expressed their desire to return to the field and reclaim the place that was taken from them.
