Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

James blasts FIFA 'injustice' over León CWC axing

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Friday, 28 March 2025 16:16

MEXICO CITY -- León captain James Rodríguez and coach Eduardo Berizzo urged FIFA on Friday to reconsider booting the Mexican team from the Club World Cup.

León was axed last week for failing to comply with regulations regarding multi-club ownership.

León and fellow Mexican club Pachuca both qualified but have the same owner, Grupo Pachuca.

"It's a big injustice," Rodríguez said in a news conference. "If they leave us out it is not going to be fair and it will be a stain on soccer. There are fans that have bought tickets and are in debt to pay for them. How do you tell them now that they are not going to go?"

Rodríguez, the Golden Boot winner at the 2014 World Cup, signed a one-year deal to play for León and one of the reasons was to play in the Club World Cup staged in the United States this summer.

"I'm happy to be here," Rodriguez said. "Whether or not we play in the Club World Cup does not change the fact that I want to stay here. This is something new for me. I never qualified for a Club World Cup, and weeks before they tell you that you are out. I hope FIFA can do something."

León's owner Grupo Pachuca has announced it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport next month.

"The CAS should rule in our favor," Berizzo said. "We have the right to compete, we did not break any law. The decision is unfair, there is time to fix this."

FIFA has yet to announce a replacement team but Costa Rican club Liga Deportiva Alajuelense has put its hand up. Alajuelense asked FIFA last November to enforce its multi-ownership rules.

"The teams raising their hands for the right to compete in our place should be ashamed of themselves," León midfielder Andrés Guardado said.

"It is a brutal injustice. If anyone has done things wrong it is FIFA. Multi-club ownership in Mexico has existed for many years and FIFA still allow us to compete."

In Mexico, beside León and Pachuca, three more companies own two or more clubs in the first division. Grupo Caliente owns Tijuana and Queretaro, while Grupo Orlegi controls Atlas and Santos. TV Azteca owns Mazatlan and has partial ownership of Puebla.

Read 72 times

Soccer

TST: Solo, Agüero learn matchups for $1M tourney

TST: Solo, Agüero learn matchups for $1M tourney

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe seven-on-seven soccer teams led by Carli Lloyd, Hope Solo, Ali...

Arteta reluctant to rest key Arsenal players in PL

Arteta reluctant to rest key Arsenal players in PL

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsArsenal manager Mikel Arteta has suggested he won't be resting Buka...

Ex-KC GK Schult: Euro teams don't want moms

Ex-KC GK Schult: Euro teams don't want moms

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsAs an Olympic gold medalist and Champions League winner, Almuth Sch...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Silver: Playoff ratings 'fantastic' for first weekend

Silver: Playoff ratings 'fantastic' for first weekend

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNASHVILLE, Tenn. -- NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Tuesday that...

Edwards fined $50K for obscene gesture to fan

Edwards fined $50K for obscene gesture to fan

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves has been...

Baseball

Guardians place Thomas on IL with bruised wrist

Guardians place Thomas on IL with bruised wrist

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCLEVELAND -- Guardians center fielder Lane Thomas was placed on the...

Lindor swats slow-start stigma, fuels Mets' win

Lindor swats slow-start stigma, fuels Mets' win

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Francisco Lindor is off to a smashing start, for a chan...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated