FIFA is cooking up something special after removing Club Leon from the upcoming Club World Cup. President Gianni Infantino revealed they're looking to organize a playoff match between Los Angeles FC and Club America to fill the vacant spot.
Leon was dropped from the tournament last month due to multi-club ownership rules. The Mexican side has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but FIFA isn't waiting around without a backup plan.
"In a couple of weeks we will have the final and definitive decision, we will respect any decision," Infantino told reporters at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. He made it clear that if CAS upholds the Appeals Committee's ruling, they want LAFC and America to battle it out for that coveted spot.
High Stakes for North American Clubs
This potential playoff presents a massive opportunity for both LAFC and Club America. LAFC narrowly missed qualification after losing in the CONCACAF Champions League final, while América would be next in line based on FIFA's regional ranking system.
The stakes couldn't be higher for these clubs. The expanded 32-team Club World Cup, running from June 14 to July 13, will feature a staggering $1 billion prize pool. Even qualifying means significant financial gain and global exposure.
For betting enthusiasts, this potential playoff would create an intriguing market. LAFC would be representing MLS against one of Mexico's most storied clubs in América, renewing the ever-intense USA-Mexico football rivalry at the club level.
Club Leon's Appeal Still Pending
While plans for a replacement match move forward, Club Leon hasn't given up their fight. Their appeal with CAS could still overturn FIFA's decision and secure their participation in the tournament.
Leon's removal stems from FIFA's increasingly strict enforcement of multi-club ownership regulations. These rules aim to prevent potential conflicts of interest when clubs with the same owners compete in the same tournaments.
The situation remains fluid as we await CAS's final ruling. If León wins their appeal, they'll retain their spot in the prestigious tournament, nullifying any need for a playoff.
This controversy adds another layer of intrigue to the already expanded Club World Cup format. The tournament represents FIFA's ambitious effort to elevate club competitions to new heights, rivaling the prestige of international tournaments.
Football fans across North America will be watching closely as this drama unfolds. Whether it's León making a successful appeal or a thrilling playoff between LAFC and América, the path to the Club World Cup promises plenty of excitement.
