James Rodriguez Slams FIFA Over Leon’s Club World Cup Exclusion

Leon captain James Rodriguez has expressed his frustration and disappointment over FIFA’s decision to expel the Mexican club from the 2025 Club World Cup, calling it a "grave injustice" that has tarnished football.

Rodriguez's outburst follows FIFA’s ruling to remove Leon from the tournament due to a breach of regulations related to multi-club ownership. Leon and fellow Liga MX side Pachuca are both owned by Grupo Pachuca, a situation that contradicts FIFA’s rules.

Initially, both clubs had qualified for the expanded 32-team tournament, but FIFA later disqualified Leon, allowing Pachuca to stay while Costa Rican side Alajuelense was selected as their replacement.

Rodriguez: "Football is Stained"

Speaking ahead of Leon’s Liga MX clash with Pumas UNAM, Rodriguez did not hold back:

"I think it is a grave injustice. We all believe that. We won on the pitch. The club and the players are hurt by this."

"If we’re out, it’s not fair. The team that replaces us will be stained, football will be stained. FIFA has to get their things together."

Opinion: Is FIFA’s Call Justified?

FIFA’s rules on multi-club ownership are meant to protect the integrity of the competition, but was this decision fair? Leon earned their spot on the pitch, and punishing them after qualification feels harsh.

Should FIFA have handled this situation earlier, rather than waiting until just months before the tournament? Or is enforcing ownership rules more important than on-field merit?

One thing is certain—Rodriguez and Leon won’t forget this ruling anytime soon.