Chelsea’s opening opponents at this summer’s Club World Cup, Club León, have been kicked out of the tournament due to a breach of FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules. FIFA has yet to announce a replacement, with León expected to challenge the decision.
Mexican club Club León, who were set to face Chelsea in the Club World Cup on June 16 in Atlanta, have been removed from the tournament. FIFA’s appeals committee ruled that León and fellow Mexican club Pachuca, both owned by Grupo Pachuca, failed to comply with regulations prohibiting multiple clubs under the same ownership from participating. The decision was challenged by Costa Rican club Alajuelense last year, and León may now take their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to fight for their place, as the tournament promises $1 billion in prize money.
FIFA has not yet confirmed who will replace León in the competition, which will feature 32 teams in the United States. Chelsea remain in a group with Flamengo (Brazil) and Espérance (Tunisia) as they wait for a new opponent to be announced.
