The preparations of Chelsea for the World Cup this summer were shaken by the decision of FIFA to remove one of its planned opponents, the Mexican side club Leon.
The blues are among the favorites this summer in the United States to enjoy a deep run in the tournament, which was initially drawn in Group D alongside Leon, Brazilian Giant Flamengo and Esperance Sportive de Tunisia.
Analysts will have created scouting reports on all three sides, but Chelsea must now prepare for a new opponent after FIFA has confirmed that the Club Leon is removed from the tournament due to the violation of multi-club ownership rules.
Leon belongs to Grupo Pachuca, who also has another side that takes part in the Pachuca tournament. FIFA was not convinced that the two could act as separate companies and made the decision to ban Leon from the competition.
“We are dissatisfied with this decision, which we will address at the highest appellate court and the highest sports court, since all evidence and documentation that our administrative and sporting independence proves in time and transparent,” was a Pachuca declaration.
Leon added: “If Club Leon is prevented from participating in the 2025 World Cup with the same rights with which she brought in a place on the field, we will follow it until the end of the highest sports courts.”
In the meantime, FIFA has not yet named a replacement for Leon, which would theoretically take its place in Group D next to Chelsea this summer. The blues have their own multi-club ownership model and could risk the same fate as Leon if the French sister Club Strasbourg qualified for the same European club competition as Chelsea next season.
A total price of 775 million GBP was made available by FIFA to reward all clubs that turn out to be the World Cup. Chelsea is expected to immerse yourself around 50 million GBP for her commitment and may increase this reward if you enjoy a deep run.