Huge club removed by FIFA for this summer's Club World Cup tournament

FIFA have announced that Mexican side Club Leon will no longer compete at this summer's FIFA Club World Cup, after removing them from the upcoming tournament. 

The revamped tournament, taking place in the US across June and July, will see 32 teams from across the globe compete in a format akin to a major international tournament. 

However, after FIFA's decision to axe them from the competition, Leon will no longer be part of the proceedings. 

The decision was made because Leon belongs to the same ownership group as fellow Mexican side Pachuca, who are also competing at the Club World Cup. This is not permitted under FIFA regulations. 

The non-compliance with multi-ownership rules prevents two clubs belonging to the same group from competing in the same competition. Therefore, Leon has been removed while Pachua keep their place as the reigning 2024 CONCACAF Champions League winners. 

Leon was set to be part of Group D alongside Chelsea, Flamengo and Esperance de Tunis, but after disciplinary proceedings were referred to the FIFA Appeals Committee, they concluded that the two clubs did not meet the multiple ownership criteria laid down in Article 10, paragraph 1, of the tournament regulations. 

The decision was then made to eliminate Leon before the tournament kicked off in July. 

A replacement for the Mexican side will be announced in due course. 

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