Alajuelense Challenges FIFA for Club World Cup Spot

Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, Costa Rica's most successful football club with 30 league titles, is taking legal action against FIFA to secure a spot in the 2025 Club World Cup, citing violations of its own eligibility rules. The club argues that FIFA should enforce its regulations that prohibit multiple clubs under the same ownership from participating, referencing the inclusion of Mexican clubs Leon and Pachuca, both owned by Jesus Martinez of Grupo Pachuca. Alajuelense's spokesman Marco Vazquez emphasized that their claim is grounded in FIFA's established principles, and they have engaged a Spanish law firm for potential legal proceedings. The Club World Cup has expanded to 32 teams and will be held in the United States next summer. FIFA has yet to respond to Alajuelense's allegations, which are supported by recent changes in regulations prohibiting multi-ownership. Alajuelense believes they have a rightful claim to one of the spots reserved for CONCACAF teams in the tournament.