Club World Cup Showdown: Alajuelense Challenges FIFA’s Participation Rules at CAS!

Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, a club from Costa Rica, is challenging FIFA in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over its Club World Cup rules.

Alajuelense claims that FIFA has violated its own regulations regarding multi-club ownership by allowing Mexican clubs León and Pachuca to participate. They argue that these two clubs are jointly owned by the Pachuca Group, which is against the rules.

The Costa Rican champions are asking CAS to make a decision before the expanded 32-team Club World Cup starts on June 15. Alajuelense believes they should replace one of the Mexican teams based on their ranking in the continental competition.

A spokesperson for CAS confirmed that they have started an arbitration process following Alajuelense’s complaint. Meanwhile, FIFA has been contacted for comments on the issue.

Among the four spots allocated for clubs from the Concacaf region, three have gone to Mexican teams. León and Pachuca will join Monterrey as the winners of the Concacaf Champions Cup.

FIFA’s regulations state that no club in the tournament can own or manage another participating club. Alajuelense initially raised their concerns with FIFA in November, asking for a chance to join the next Club World Cup. FIFA acknowledged their complaint but indicated that Alajuelense might not be involved in any proceedings.

In December, Jesús Martínez, the owner of the Pachuca Group, mentioned plans to sell most of his shares in León to align with FIFA’s regulations. On January 15, Alajuelense urged FIFA to reach a decision regarding their case.

The Club World Cup is set to be held from June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States, and Alajuelense hopes to secure a spot in this prestigious tournament.

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