FIFA is considering a one-game playoff match between Los Angeles FC and Mexican side Club America to determine who will fill the final FIFA Club World Cup spot, WESH 2 has learned from a spokesperson Monday.
The winner would formally replace Club Leon following a decision on the FIFA Appeal Committee. Leon was removed on March 21 from this summer’s tournament in the United States after FIFA said the club breached the world soccer governing body’s multiclub rules.
The owners of Leon own Club Pachuca, which will also compete in the Club World Cup.
The spokesperson added, “LAFC would participate as runner-up to Club León in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League through which Club León had qualified. Club América would participate as the top-ranked team in the FIFA Club World Cup confederation ranking through which qualification is also determined.”
“The winner of the play-off would qualify unless legal proceedings rule otherwise,” the statement continued. “Further details will be provided in due course.”
Club Leon was originally slated to play games in Atlanta against Chelsea on June 16, Tunisian club Esperance de Tunis on June 20 in Nashville and against Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo in Orlando on June 24.
