Multi-Club Ownership: CAS Rejects Appeals by Leon, Pachuca Against FIFA Ruling

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has rejected the appeals filed by Club Leon and CF Pachuca challenging the March 2025 decision of the FIFA Appeal Committee, which found that both clubs failed to meet the multi-club ownership regulations applicable to the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

Both clubs are owned by Grupo Pachuca and had earlier qualified for the competition as two of Concacaf’s four representatives. However, following disciplinary proceedings and a referral to the FIFA Appeal Committee, it was concluded that both clubs failed to meet the tournament regulations on multi-club ownership. As a consequence of this breach, the FIFA Secretary General had ordered Club Leon’s removal from the competition.

Under Article 10, Paragraph 1 of the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, no one may simultaneously be involved in the management, administration, and/or sporting performance of more than one club participating in the competition. Further, no individual or legal entity may have control or influence over more than one club participating in the competition.

The appeals sought the annulment of the FIFA Appeal Committee’s decision, asserting that both clubs comply with the eligibility criteria. In addition, Club Leon had filed a separate appeal challenging the FIFA Secretary General’s decision to exclude it from the tournament, seeking reinstatement.

However, the CAS Panel has now ruled that both clubs failed to meet the multi-club ownership criteria. This decision was rendered after examining the evidence, including the Club Leon trust set up by the club’s owners, which was deemed insufficient to comply with the Regulations.