Concacaf President Backs Club León Amid Controversy Over Club World Cup Spot
The ongoing legal disputes surrounding the 2025 Club World Cup have intensified following comments made by Concacaf President Victor Montagliani, who has voiced his support for Club León. The Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, a rival team from Costa Rica, has publicly criticized Montagliani’s stance, calling it a violation of the organization’s commitment to neutrality.
Background of the Controversy
FIFA recently ruled that due to its strict multi-ownership policy, both teams owned by Grupo Pachuca—Club León and Pachuca—could not participate in the same tournament. Consequently, Club León was removed from the 2025 Club World Cup, leading to Pachuca representing Grupo Pachuca instead.
Montagliani’s Support for Club León
In a recent statement, Montagliani expressed that Concacaf would back Club León in their efforts to regain their position in the prestigious tournament. “This is a legal process. Grupo Pachuca has the possibility to go to TAS on this if they want. We will respect the process, but for me as president of Concacaf, I support León. They won the [2023] Champions Cup on the field,” Montagliani stated in an interview with TUDN.
Alajuelense’s Response
In response to Montagliani’s comments, Alajuelense released a statement criticizing the Concacaf president’s position. They asserted that his support for León undermines the principles of impartiality and neutrality that should govern the organization. The club articulated their concerns, stating, “The declarations of the Concacaf president constitute a serious violation to the duty of neutrality, the principle of impartiality, and institutional loyalty.”
Legal Developments and Next Steps
Alajuelense had initially filed a complaint to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS), which led to FIFA’s intervention in the matter. As the situation unfolds, FIFA has indicated that they will announce an alternative team to fill the vacancy left by Club León in due course. The organization has not disclosed which team might be considered as a replacement.
Upcoming Club World Cup Details
Club León qualified for the Club World Cup by winning the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup. They will be joined by Pachuca, who secured their spot by winning the same tournament in 2024. The tournament is set to kick off on June 14, 2025, with Inter Miami facing Al Ahly FC at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.