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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"competitionId":"2hsidwomhjsaaytdy9u5niyi4"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Club León’s spot at Club World Cup will go to América or LAFC</li><li>James Rodríguez returns ahead of crucial clash</li><li>La Fiera trails 3–2 on aggregate against Cruz Azul</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n">Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'There’s been widespread abandonment' - Club Leon's president calls out Liga MX and Mexican Football Federation for lack of support following Club World Cup expulsion

Liga MX

CF America

Cruz Azul

The legal battle involving Club León, FIFA, and eventually the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has become one of the most talked-about controversies in recent Mexican football history. León were excluded from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup due to violations of the tournament’s rules on multi-club ownership. The decision left León’s president, Jesús Martínez Murguía, deeply disappointed—not just with FIFA, but with Liga MX and the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), who, he says, left the club to fend for itself.“It’s clear we were left on our own—by our league and by our federation,” Martínez Murguía told Tubi in a recent interview. “CONCACAF stood by us until the end, and a few clubs publicly supported us, which we appreciate. But overall, we felt abandoned. Still, that hasn’t stopped us. We’ve always worked with the goal of building up this club with dignity.”Martínez pointed to León’s significant investments in infrastructure, marketing, and sporting development - efforts, he stressed, made without institutional backing. “This was a chance to show unity, and we didn’t get it. I know there are eight clubs, including us, pushing to correct poor decisions made within Liga MX and the federation. We want a league where everyone has a voice - not an exclusive club. Hopefully, some real changes will come during the next owners’ assembly.”He declined to go into specifics about whether León’s World Cup exclusion will be officially discussed during the May 27 meeting of Liga MX club owners but suggested important issues would be on the table. Martínez also hinted that his father, Jesús Martínez Patiño, would soon speak publicly to defend himself against accusations linked to the multi-ownership controversy.“There’s been widespread abandonment, but there are some major clubs standing behind these decisions - even if they can’t say so openly. I believe two or three key issues will be addressed, and my father will definitely share his side of the story soon," he said. "He’s been unfairly targeted, and it pains me because he’s only ever given his full support to this club and its group.”

WHAT HAPPENED?

The long-running saga between Club León and FIFA has officially come to an end after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/leon-club-world-cup-appeal-rejected-fifa-playoff-between-lafc-and-club-america/blt4e7aa9c87711be9f#csec0492b742eb4fcf" target="_self">favor of the global governing body</a>, upholding its decision to exclude the Mexican club from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The verdict marks the conclusion of one of the most high-profile legal disputes in the modern history of Mexican football.León's exclusion from the tournament brought renewed attention to the long-standing issue of multi-club ownership within Liga MX - a practice that remains common despite efforts to eliminate it. Several ownership groups currently control multiple clubs in the league, and while authorities have pledged reforms, real change appears distant.“This situation will go down as one of the most publicized in Mexican football,” said León president Jesús Martínez Murguía. “We’ve reached out to many local investors, but unfortunately, there hasn’t been much interest. These are companies in different industries, and we respect that. So, the most viable option now is to seek an investment fund.”Despite the setback, Martínez emphasized the club’s continued growth. “This club has grown tremendously—we now have our stadium, La Esmeralda [our academy], which keeps producing young talent, and we’ve built a strong squad.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

One of the major questions circulating among fans is why FIFA excluded León but not Pachuca, considering León had qualified earlier by winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Martínez Murguía acknowledged the confusion and said they’ve asked FIFA for a formal explanation.“We’ve been clear with our fans - we always speak truthfully. We've already reached out to FIFA to ask why León was left out while Pachuca remains eligible. There are all kinds of theories floating around, but many are inaccurate,” he explained. “We’ve been part of this institution for 15 years, working hard to grow in every aspect. We never chose between León or Pachuca, and my father would never make that kind of decision. We’re still waiting on a clear answer from FIFA and will make it public as soon as we have it.”Martínez added that all requested documentation had been submitted to FIFA, which included evidence that León operates independently of other clubs owned by the same group. “What hurts most is that a regulation was added after we earned our spot on the field. That’s what’s difficult to accept. All the documents we’ve provided demonstrate that this club runs on its own.”

WHAT JESÚS MARTÍNEZ SAID

Despite the off-field turmoil, León’s focus now shifts back to the pitch. La Fiera will visit Cruz Azul this Sunday for the second leg of their Liguilla quarterfinal clash. Eduardo Berizzo’s side trails 3–2 on aggregate and must win by at least two goals to advance to the semifinals.The good news for León is the return of James Rodríguez. The Colombian star is eligible to play after serving a one-match suspension and could play a key role in what promises to be a high-stakes showdown.

WHAT NEXT FOR CLUB LEÓN?

'There’s been widespread abandonment' - Club Leon's president calls out Liga MX and Mexican Football Federation for lack of support following Club World Cup expulsion | Goal.com

La Fiera will visit Cruz Azul this Sunday for the second leg of their Liguilla quarterfinal clash.

&apos;There’s been widespread abandonment&apos; - Club Leon&apos;s president calls out Liga MX and Mexican Football Federation for lack of support following Club World Cup expulsion

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