CAS rejects appeals from Club León and Alajuelense | OneFootball

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed the appeal filed by Club León – and by Pachuca – in an attempt to be reinstated in the Club World Cup, leaving a spot open for the competition.

In addition, the appeal from Costa Rican side Alajuelense, which sought the exclusion of the two Mexican clubs, due to multi-ownership rules, and their own inclusion, was also denied.

Consequently, FIFA plans to hold a playoff between MLS side Los Angeles FC and another Mexican club, Club América, to decide the extra spot for Group D, which includes Chelsea, Flamengo, and Espérance de Tunis.

The plan involves a match between the runner-up of the 2023 CONCACAF Champions and the Mexican club with the best position in the American confederation ranking.

León has already released a statement in response to the CAS decision: "The verdict was very harsh, the rivals very influential, the pressure very intense, and the stakes very high. As an institution, we bear the cost and consequences of such a process, but it is our fans who have suffered the most during this time."

The date of the match has not yet been confirmed by FIFA, and it must take place before June 15, when the competition begins. Reports suggest that it could be played on May 31 at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.