Ex-Madrid player James Rodríguez slams FIFA: his club expelled 3 days later

A storm has erupted in the footballing world following former Real Madrid star James Rodríguez’s scathing criticism of FIFA, which he accused of favoring Argentina during the 2024 Copa América. Just days after his explosive remarks, Rodríguez’s current club, Club León of Mexico, has been dramatically excluded from the upcoming Club World Cup. This sanction has ignited a firestorm of controversy, raising serious questions about FIFA’s impartiality and the timing of the decision.

Rodríguez, who joined Club León after a stint with Rayo Vallecano in Spain, had high hopes of leading his team to glory in the Club World Cup, scheduled for June in the United States. However, FIFA’s decision to disqualify León has shattered those dreams. The governing body announced on Friday that León’s participation was prohibited due to the club’s ownership structure.

According to FIFA, the Grupo Pachuca, which owns Club León, also owns another Mexican club, Pachuca. FIFA regulations stipulate that only one club from a multi-club ownership group can participate in the same tournament. While the rule itself is clear, the application of it has sparked outrage.

The controversy stems from the fact that other clubs, such as the Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami, which are technically owned by the league under the same corporate structure, have been allowed to compete in the Club World Cup. This apparent inconsistency has led to accusations of double standards and selective enforcement.

The frustration in Mexico is palpable, with many questioning FIFA’s fairness and transparency. Why, they ask, is Club León being punished while other clubs with similar ownership structures are allowed to participate? Some have even suggested that Rodríguez’s recent accusations against FIFA may have played a role in the decision.

In an interview with Edu Aguirre on El Chiringuito TV, Rodríguez, who once claimed to be superior to Zinedine Zidane and Luka Modrić in his prime, cast doubt on the integrity of Argentina’s Copa América 2024 victory. He alleged that external factors, including biased refereeing and questionable VAR decisions, prevented Colombia from winning the tournament.

Rodríguez pointed to the fact that Colombia was placed in the tougher side of the bracket, facing Brazil, Uruguay, and other strong opponents, while Argentina enjoyed a relatively easier path to the final. He also highlighted the lack of transparency surrounding the VAR audio recordings from the final, which were not released as they had been for other matches.

These comments have now resurfaced, with some speculating that FIFA may be retaliating against Rodríguez for his outspokenness. Whether or not this is the case, the situation has undoubtedly fueled conspiracy theories and raised serious questions about FIFA’s governance.

Club León has vehemently protested its exclusion from the Club World Cup, demanding transparency and impartiality from FIFA. The club has also announced its intention to pursue legal action against the governing body, vowing to fight for its right to participate in the tournament.

The situation has escalated into a full-blown legal battle, with Club León determined to challenge FIFA’s decision. The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for the future of multi-club ownership and the integrity of FIFA’s regulations.

The controversy surrounding Club León’s exclusion has also reignited the debate about the influence of politics and personal vendettas in football. The timing of FIFA’s decision, coming so soon after Rodríguez’s accusations, has raised suspicions of foul play.

The footballing world now awaits the outcome of this high-stakes legal battle, which could have far-reaching consequences for the sport’s governance and the treatment of clubs with multi-club ownership. The case also underscores the power of player voices in challenging the decisions of football’s governing bodies.