FIFA President Addresses Club World Cup Conflict Ahead of 2025 Tournament
Gianni Infantino discusses implications for Liga Deportiva Alajuelense amid ongoing legal disputes concerning Club León's participation.
Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, has publicly addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the 2025 Club World Cup, following Liga Deportiva Alajuelense's claims regarding its right to participate.
Alajuelense's assertions are rooted in issues concerning multi-ownership linked to the clubs León and Pachuca.
Infantino's remarks were made during an interview with Los Ángeles Times en Español in Pasadena, California, although he did not explicitly name Alajuelense.
Infantino confirmed that Club León currently faces exclusion from the tournament due to existing regulations concerning multi-ownership.
He detailed that the FIFA Appeals Committee had ruled on the matter, and the case is expected to be brought before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which will issue a ruling in a timely manner as FIFA seeks to proceed with its plans.
"We have had the decision from the FIFA Appeals Committee, which has made its ruling according to the regulations.
The case will now likely proceed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which will also make a decision in very swift times, as we need to follow through with this decision," Infantino stated.
He emphasized the importance of reaching a decision quickly to ensure clarity for the teams involved, noting that as of now, only 31 of the 32 spots for the tournament have been confirmed.
Infantino underscored the need for decisions to be finalized in the coming weeks: "After this decision, we will also decide how to proceed, but everything must be decided in the upcoming weeks to ensure certainty for the 32 teams, as we currently have 31."
In terms of timelines, Infantino mentioned that FIFA must consider the CAS's schedule, stating, "We do not have power over their decision dates; however, my view is that by the end of April, or early May, a final decision should be reached."
Additionally, Infantino did not discuss the potential for a playoff between América and LAFC, an option being explored by FIFA to determine who would replace Club León. The situation is crucial for Alajuelense, given the upcoming CAS hearing scheduled for April 23 in Madrid, which has been called as a result of the claims made by the Costa Rican club.
Alajuelense's assertions are rooted in issues concerning multi-ownership linked to the clubs León and Pachuca.
Infantino's remarks were made during an interview with Los Ángeles Times en Español in Pasadena, California, although he did not explicitly name Alajuelense.
Infantino confirmed that Club León currently faces exclusion from the tournament due to existing regulations concerning multi-ownership.
He detailed that the FIFA Appeals Committee had ruled on the matter, and the case is expected to be brought before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which will issue a ruling in a timely manner as FIFA seeks to proceed with its plans.
"We have had the decision from the FIFA Appeals Committee, which has made its ruling according to the regulations.
The case will now likely proceed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which will also make a decision in very swift times, as we need to follow through with this decision," Infantino stated.
He emphasized the importance of reaching a decision quickly to ensure clarity for the teams involved, noting that as of now, only 31 of the 32 spots for the tournament have been confirmed.
Infantino underscored the need for decisions to be finalized in the coming weeks: "After this decision, we will also decide how to proceed, but everything must be decided in the upcoming weeks to ensure certainty for the 32 teams, as we currently have 31."
In terms of timelines, Infantino mentioned that FIFA must consider the CAS's schedule, stating, "We do not have power over their decision dates; however, my view is that by the end of April, or early May, a final decision should be reached."
Additionally, Infantino did not discuss the potential for a playoff between América and LAFC, an option being explored by FIFA to determine who would replace Club León. The situation is crucial for Alajuelense, given the upcoming CAS hearing scheduled for April 23 in Madrid, which has been called as a result of the claims made by the Costa Rican club.
