James Rodríguez Blasts FIFA Over León’s Club World Cup Ban as Appeal Looms

León, James Rodríguez, Eduardo Berizzo
March 2025

FIFA expelled León from the Club World Cup due to shared ownership with Pachuca, prompting outrage from the team and its captain, who called the move unfair and damaging to the sport.
FIFA cited multi-club ownership rules, but León’s players and coach argue they’ve done nothing wrong. The club is appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, while Costa Rica’s Alajuelense has expressed interest in taking León’s spot.