The inaugural FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025, will feature 32 teams from around the world.

However, FIFA has just announced that Mexican club Club León, where James Rodriguez plays, has been excluded from the competition. A replacement team will be announced soon.

The decision follows disciplinary proceedings against Club León and CF Pachuca for violating FIFA’s multi-club ownership regulations. “After assessing all the evidence on file, the Chairman of the FIFA Appeal Committee has determined that Club León does not meet the criteria outlined in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 regulations. As a result, the club will be withdrawn from the competition,” FIFA stated.

The governing body has yet to reveal which team will take León’s place.