Miami, United States – in a decision that has generated enthusiasm among Culés fans, FIFA has officially confirmed that FC Barcelona will replace the León de México Club at the 2025 Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States from June 14 to July 13. The exclusion of the Leon Club is due to breaches of FIFA regulations on club multipro -ownership, specifically article 10 of the Club World Cup regulations, which prohibits two teams under the same property from participating in the competition.
The president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, explained the logic behind this decision: “The rules are designed to guarantee integrity and equity in our competitions. Allowing clubs under the same control to participate could compromise fair competition. The choice of Barcelona, a club with a prestigious history and a global basis of fans, ensures that the tournament maintains its competitive and attractive level.” This statement has been well received by the participating clubs, who recognize the need to comply with the statutes of the FIFA.
The controversy began when the Leon Club, together with the Pachuca, both owned by the Pachuca Group, was indicated for violating the multiprophity rules. After an exhaustive investigation, the FIFA Appeal Commission decided to exclude the Lion, a ratified decision after the appeal of the Mexican club before the Deportive Arbitration Court (TAS). FIFA opted for Barcelona as a replacement due to its position in the UEFA ranking and its global impact on football.
Barcelona, which had not initially classified the tournament, will now have the opportunity to compete against giants such as Real Madrid, Manchester City and Al-Hilal. Barça fans celebrate this unexpected opportunity, while the club already prepares their logistics for the tournament. This decision not only reinforces the strict FIFA position against multiprophity, but also elevates the expectation for a club World Cup that promises to be historical.
