Major League Soccer side LAFC and Mexican giants Club America could play a one-off match to determine the final spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The vacancy arose after Club Leon was removed from the tournament for violating FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules due to their ties with fellow qualifiers Pachuca.
FIFA confirmed it is considering the play-off, with the winner replacing Club Leon in Group D, alongside Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance Sportive de Tunisie.
“FIFA can confirm it is considering one play-off match between LAFC and Club America for the right to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025,” a statement read.
LAFC, featuring former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud and ex-France captain Hugo Lloris, finished as runners-up to Club Leon in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League. Meanwhile, Club America is the highest-ranked team that did not qualify.
However, the situation remains unresolved, as Club Leon has taken its case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with a hearing set for April 23. Costa Rican club Alajuelense, which initially filed the complaint against Leon, also has an appeal pending.
The expanded 32-team Club World Cup will be hosted in the United States, running from June 15 to July 13.
