## León Excluded from FIFA Club World Cup
In a contentious decision, FIFA has disqualified the club León from participating in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. The global football governing body cited a violation of the tournament’s rules, specifically the infringement related to the prohibition of multi-ownership of teams. Since announcing this decision on March 21, 2025, FIFA has yet to name a replacement team, leading to significant speculation and discussion.
Alajuelense, being the highest-ranked team outside of Liga MX and MLS, is seen as a potential contender for León’s spot. Meanwhile, some argue that Club América should take León’s place, citing its ranking as the best in the Concacaf region.
León is not taking the decision lightly and has escalated the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, hoping to secure their earned place in the competition. Mikel Arriola, commissioner of the Mexican Football Federation, has expressed his support for the club’s efforts to remain in the international tournament.
Scheduled to start on June 14, the Club World Cup’s group stage would see León competing in Group D alongside teams like Chelsea, Esperance de Tunis, and Flamengo. The final outcome remains uncertain as discussions and legal proceedings continue.
### Additional News
#### MLS and Liga MX Consider Collaboration in Light of León’s Exclusion
In response to the controversy surrounding León’s exclusion from the FIFA Club World Cup, discussions have reportedly emerged between MLS and Liga MX regarding a potential partnership to address such regulatory issues collectively. Both leagues have experienced similar challenges and believe that a unified approach could foster stronger cooperative ties and ensure fairer treatment in international tournaments.
The talks are still in preliminary stages, but there is optimism that a strategic alliance could bring significant benefits to both North American leagues, such as enhancing their global competitiveness and reputation. As FIFA continues to enforce its regulations, alliances like these may play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape of international club competitions.