Alajuelense criticizes Concacaf president over Club León support

Liga Deportiva Alajuelense has strongly condemned Concacaf president Victor Montagliani’s statement openly supporting Club León in their legal dispute against FIFA—regarding their removal from the 2025 Club World Cup.

FIFA previously eliminated Club León due to multi-ownership regulations, which prohibit two teams from Grupo Pachuca from competing in the same tournament edition. As a result, the general secretary ruled to remove Club León while allowing Pachuca to remain as the group’s sole representative.

“This is a legal process, and we will respect it, but as Concacaf president, I support León—they won the 2023 Champions Cup on the field,” Montagliani told TUDN.

In response, Alajuelense firmly criticized the statement:

“The Concacaf president’s declarations constitute a serious violation of the duty of neutrality, the principle of impartiality, and institutional loyalty.”

The controversy adds further uncertainty to the 2025 Club World Cup, which is set to begin in about three months with an opening match between Inter Miami and Al Ahly FC at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami. FIFA has yet to announce a replacement for Club León, leaving a key tournament slot unfilled as legal proceedings continue.