La Derecha Diario Gianni Infantino confirmed a possible play-off between America and LAFC
The FIFA president confirmed the expulsion of León from Mexico and the possibility of playing a match to determine their replacement
Club León from Mexico is currently out of the Club World Cup, although it still holds a last hope of retaining its place, depending on what the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decides. Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the possibility of a play-off matchbetween América and Los Angeles FC to determine the team that would occupy that spot.
Although América's management had previously ruled out this alternative, a spokesperson for the International Federation reaffirmed that this option exists to replace the emerald team, disqualified for regulatory reasons.
According to Gianni Infantino's statements, if the CAS confirms León's elimination, FIFA could hold a tiebreaker match between the highest-ranked club in the CONCACAF ranking (América) and the runner-up of the last Concachampions (LAFC).
"If the Court of Sport confirms the decision of FIFA's appeals committee, a Play Off match will possibly be played between the team that lost the Champions final to León, which is LAFC, and the next team in the ranking, which is América," he explained.
Additionally, the FIFA representative emphasized the importance of the resolution adopted by the CAS, and assured that they will respect the decision that is finally announced. "Regarding León's case, the case will be decided by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, in a couple of weeks we will know the final and definitive decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, of course we will respect what is being looked at," he shared.
Another affected by the possible play-off
If León's expulsion and the play-off match are confirmed, there would be another team that would lose its chance to participate in the club world event: Liga Deportiva Alajualense. The Costa Rican team believes it should take the place vacated by the Mexican team for being the highest-ranked in the CONCACAF ranking outside of Liga MX and MLS, and for having won the Central American Cup in 2023 and 2024.
While it is a valid argument from the diversity of countries in the tournament, it lacks convincing sporting support to evaluate it as a possible alternative.
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