Wed Apr 02 01:40:00 UTC 2025: ## LAFC and Club América Could Face Off for Club World Cup Spot

**NEW YORK –** A potential one-game playoff between LAFC and Club América to determine a replacement for Club León in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is under consideration, FIFA announced Sunday. The playoff would only occur if León’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) fails.

León was disqualified from the tournament on March 23rd due to a conflict of interest; they and fellow Liga MX team Pachuca share the same owner, Grupo Pachuca, violating FIFA regulations. A CAS hearing is scheduled for April 23rd, where León will argue for reinstatement. Costa Rican side Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, who originally filed the complaint with CAS, also seeks a spot in the tournament.

FIFA’s proposed playoff would pit LAFC, the 2023 Concacaf Champions League runner-up, against Club América, the top-ranked team in the FIFA Club World Cup confederation ranking. The winner would secure the coveted spot in the expanded 32-team tournament, set to kick off June 14th in New Jersey.

Both LAFC and Club América have responded cautiously. LAFC declined comment, while Club América stated they haven’t received official notification from FIFA and are focused on their current competitions.

The decision hinges on the outcome of León’s appeal to CAS. The situation parallels that of Red Bull Salzburg, who qualified for a previous Club World Cup via a UEFA ranking system when the Champions League winner was ineligible. The outcome of the CAS hearing will ultimately determine whether this unprecedented playoff will take place.

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