After being banned from the FIFA Club World Cup due to multi-club ownership restrictions, Club Leon has lost their appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Consequently, they will need to be replaced for the tournament set to commence on June 14. To determine the successor for Group D, alongside Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance Sportive de Tunis, FIFA has scheduled a one-game playoff between Los Angeles FC and Club America.

These teams were selected because LAFC ranked as the runner-up to Leon in the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup while Club America holds the top rank in the FIFA Club World Cup confederation standings. This playoff presents an immense opportunity as each participating Concacaf club can earn $9.55 million from FIFA, not accounting for additional earnings of $2 million per victory and $1 million per draw in the group stages.

Given the financial stakes, the intensity of the playoff is expected to rise considerably. According to reports, LAFC will host the decisive match at BMO Stadium on May 31. LAFC is anticipated to face the Colorado Rapids on the same date, while Club America will have a break as the Liga MX Clausura playoffs will have wrapped up by then.

In a statement, FIFA acknowledged their approval of the CAS’s decision to deny the appeals of CF Pachuca, Club León, and Asociación Liga Deportiva Alajuelense regarding participation in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

Leon’s ban is tied to both Leon and Pachuca being under the ownership of Pachuca Group. With plans to list Leon for sale failing to happen in time, only one of the clubs can compete in the tournament, and Pachuca will continue in their place. Their appeal to CAS, which advocated for both clubs’ compliance with the eligibility to participate, was ultimately not upheld.

Additionally, the Costa Rican club Alajuelense sought to replace either Leon or Pachuca in case of disqualification, but CAS denied their claim. Thus, the responsibility to fill the vacant spot in Group D will rest with FIFA.

Despite the setback with the world tournament, Leon has been strategically enhancing their roster, including the acquisition of James Rodriguez, who will now aim to help secure the Liga MX Clausura title against Cruz Azul in the upcoming quarterfinals on Thursday.