The expulsion of Club León from the 2025 Club World Cup by FIFA for operating under multi-ownership alongside Pachuca has sparked great interest among clubs vying for the spot. However, it seems that FIFA's preferred way to resolve this conflict would be to hold a ‘playoff’ between Club América and Los Angeles FC to claim the spot that León has vacated.

Why will there be a ‘playoff’ between Club América and LAFC to go to the Club World Cup?

Initially, it seemed that the spot of Club León in the 2025 Club World Cup would be granted to Alajuelense, a club that filed a complaint with the CAS about the Mexican team's participation in the Club World Cup for not complying with the multi-ownership rules set by UEFA statutes. However, unless the hearing that the CAS has scheduled for April 23rd presents arguments that change things, it seems unlikely that Alajuelense will participate in the Club World Cup as they have claimed.

FIFA is currently considering several options to replace Club León. Therefore, no official decision has been communicated yet. On one hand, they could include Club América in the Club World Cup, as they have the highest CONCACAF coefficient of teams not already in the tournament. On the other hand, they could simply designate LAFC, as they were the runners-up in the 2023 ConcaChampions, losing the final to Club León.

FIFA confirms the match between Club América and LAFC

However, since the decision could be considered arbitrary without any specific regulations on the matter, FIFA wants to play it safe by holding a ‘playoff’ match between Club América and LAFC for the spot left vacant by Club León in the Club World Cup. Still, it is unknown when this match would take place and, above all, what the format would be.

Perhaps, FIFA wants to wait for the outcome of the April 23rd hearing in case they rule in favor of Club León. But, according to one of its representatives, the decision has already been made. "FIFA can confirm that it is considering a 'playoff' match between LAFC and Club América for the right to participate in the FIFA 2025 Club World Cup, in replacement of Club León. Further details will be given in due course."