On Friday, Club Leon were removed from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after failing to meet tournament regulations on multi-club ownership.
The Mexican side had been scheduled to face Chelsea in their opening fixture of the 32-team tournament which takes place between 14 June – 13 July in the US.
However, FIFA determined that Mexico's Leon and Pachuca did not comply with rules that do not allow clubs to directly or indirectly hold or deal in the securities or shares of another participating in the competition.
Both clubs are owned by Grupo Pachuca and FIFA said in a statement that a replacement for Leon will "be announced in due course".
"In the last few months we have presented all the evidence and documents confirming that Club Leon manages itself in an autonomous manner in all economic, administrative and sporting aspects," the club said in a statement.
Follow the latest news on Google News
