FIFA President Comments on Ongoing Dispute Between Alajuelense and León
Gianni Infantino states that FIFA will await the decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding the clubs’ quest for a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, addressed the ongoing dispute between Costa Rica's Alajuelense and Mexico's León during a press conference while promoting the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
The two clubs are currently embroiled in a legal battle at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) over qualification for the upcoming tournament.
Infantino confirmed that FIFA will comply with the TAS's ruling, emphasizing the court's status as the supreme authority in international sports.
He stated, "We have had the decision from FIFA’s Appeals Committee which, according to regulations, expelled León from the tournament.
Now the case will proceed in the TAS, which will render its decision swiftly as we need to move forward with the tournament."
The FIFA Club World Cup is set to feature 32 teams, and currently, only 31 teams are confirmed.
Infantino noted the urgency of resolving the matter, indicating that a decision from the TAS is expected to be made by the end of April or early May. He remarked, "We must have finality in the next few weeks to ensure the integrity of the tournament and the participating teams."
Infantino also pointed out that the hearing at the TAS is scheduled for April 23 in Madrid, and he reiterated that FIFA remains neutral and will respect the court's decision, irrespective of any ongoing plans related to a potential playoff between América and Los Angeles FC that were announced previously.
The outcome of the TAS proceedings will be pivotal in determining which of the clubs gets a place in the tournament.
The two clubs are currently embroiled in a legal battle at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) over qualification for the upcoming tournament.
Infantino confirmed that FIFA will comply with the TAS's ruling, emphasizing the court's status as the supreme authority in international sports.
He stated, "We have had the decision from FIFA’s Appeals Committee which, according to regulations, expelled León from the tournament.
Now the case will proceed in the TAS, which will render its decision swiftly as we need to move forward with the tournament."
The FIFA Club World Cup is set to feature 32 teams, and currently, only 31 teams are confirmed.
Infantino noted the urgency of resolving the matter, indicating that a decision from the TAS is expected to be made by the end of April or early May. He remarked, "We must have finality in the next few weeks to ensure the integrity of the tournament and the participating teams."
Infantino also pointed out that the hearing at the TAS is scheduled for April 23 in Madrid, and he reiterated that FIFA remains neutral and will respect the court's decision, irrespective of any ongoing plans related to a potential playoff between América and Los Angeles FC that were announced previously.
The outcome of the TAS proceedings will be pivotal in determining which of the clubs gets a place in the tournament.
