James Rodriguez attacks FIFA

Leon Club captain and head coach Eduardo Berizzo have called on FIFA to reconsider its decision to exclude the Mexican side from the 2025 Club World Cup.

James Rodriguez hopes to still be able to attend the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with Leon.

In a press conference on March 28, James Rodriguez expressed his disappointment: “This is a big injustice. If they eliminate us, it is unfair and will leave a stain on football. There are fans who bought tickets, even took out loans to pay for tickets. How do you tell them that now they can’t go anymore?”

Last week, FIFA announced that Leon had been disqualified from the 2025 Club World Cup for failing to comply with regulations regarding “multiple ownership,” a decision that has sparked controversy. Leon and Pachuca, another Mexican club, both qualified for the tournament but, according to FIFA, are owned by the same group, Grupo Pachuca.

This led to FIFA's decision to drop Leon, despite protests from the team. James Rodriguez, who won the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup, shared that one of the main reasons he signed for Leon was to participate in the tournament held in the United States this summer.

“I am happy to be here. Whether we play in the Club World Cup or not, it doesn’t change my intention to stay. It’s a new experience. I have never qualified for a Club World Cup and then a few weeks before the tournament they say we are out. I hope FIFA can do something about it,” he said.

Leon Club owners Grupo Pachuca have announced they will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) next month. Coach Berizzo is optimistic: “CAS should rule in our favour. We have the right to play, we have not broken any rules. This decision is unfair, there is still time to correct it.”

FIFA has not yet announced a replacement, but Costa Rican club Liga Deportiva Alajuelense has expressed interest in taking Leon's place. Alajuelense is the club that asked FIFA to investigate Leon and Pachuca.

Leon midfielder Andrés Guardado also did not hide his indignation: “The teams that are raising their hands to replace us should feel ashamed. This is a serious injustice. If anyone is wrong, it is FIFA. The ownership of many clubs in Mexico has existed for a long time, and FIFA still allows us to compete.”

Source: https://znews.vn/james-rodriguez-cong-kich-fifa-post1541711.html