Possibility of Herediano's Participation in the FIFA Club World Cup Under Scrutiny
Expert analysis reveals Alajuelense is more likely to be selected as a substitute for León, given FIFA regulations.
Recent discussions have emerged regarding the potential participation of Sporting Herediano in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, following comments made by ESPN journalist César Caballero.
He suggested that Herediano might represent Costa Rica after Mexico's León was ruled out of competition.
This speculation arose after it was reported that León would not be able to participate, prompting inquiries about which team would take its place.
Caballero mentioned that Club América might also seek entry, but has indicated that a team from outside Mexico or the United States would be necessary should the rankings allow.
According to him, if the ranking is applied, Alajuelense, not Herediano, would be the first team eligible as it currently holds a higher position in the FIFA rankings.
Rodrigo Chaves, a legal expert specializing in FIFA regulations, was consulted to clarify the situation further.
He asserted that based on current regulations, Herediano would not be permitted to attend the tournament.
Chaves emphasized that FIFA rules state that no more than two clubs from the same country can participate, and Alajuelense, currently ranked 15th, qualifies ahead of Herediano in such circumstances.
FIFA’s Article 10, section 4, addresses scenarios in which a club is disqualified, stating that the General Secretariat of FIFA will decide which club will replace the one that has been withdrawn.
It specifically notes that the substitute must come from the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), which is allocated four slots in the tournament.
Article 11, section 5 outlines the conditions for a club’s qualification, alluding to competitive achievements within designated timeframes.
This section notes that if a club has won two or more editions of the club competition within 2021-2024, the FIFA ranking will be used to determine entry, according to competitive criteria while imposing the restriction of two clubs per country.
Chaves indicated that while each article of regulation discusses different aspects regarding qualification, the overall implications highlight that, strictly adhering to FIFA policy, Alajuelense would be the more likely candidate for the FIFA Club World Cup, although the final decision lies with FIFA’s selection committee.
He suggested that Herediano might represent Costa Rica after Mexico's León was ruled out of competition.
This speculation arose after it was reported that León would not be able to participate, prompting inquiries about which team would take its place.
Caballero mentioned that Club América might also seek entry, but has indicated that a team from outside Mexico or the United States would be necessary should the rankings allow.
According to him, if the ranking is applied, Alajuelense, not Herediano, would be the first team eligible as it currently holds a higher position in the FIFA rankings.
Rodrigo Chaves, a legal expert specializing in FIFA regulations, was consulted to clarify the situation further.
He asserted that based on current regulations, Herediano would not be permitted to attend the tournament.
Chaves emphasized that FIFA rules state that no more than two clubs from the same country can participate, and Alajuelense, currently ranked 15th, qualifies ahead of Herediano in such circumstances.
FIFA’s Article 10, section 4, addresses scenarios in which a club is disqualified, stating that the General Secretariat of FIFA will decide which club will replace the one that has been withdrawn.
It specifically notes that the substitute must come from the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), which is allocated four slots in the tournament.
Article 11, section 5 outlines the conditions for a club’s qualification, alluding to competitive achievements within designated timeframes.
This section notes that if a club has won two or more editions of the club competition within 2021-2024, the FIFA ranking will be used to determine entry, according to competitive criteria while imposing the restriction of two clubs per country.
Chaves indicated that while each article of regulation discusses different aspects regarding qualification, the overall implications highlight that, strictly adhering to FIFA policy, Alajuelense would be the more likely candidate for the FIFA Club World Cup, although the final decision lies with FIFA’s selection committee.
