Leon disagreed with Fifa’s decision and said they would appeal to the sport’s highest courts if they were denied a place at the event.

“In the last few months we have presented all the evidence and documents confirming that Club Leon manages itself in an autonomous manner in all economic, administrative and sporting aspects,” the club added.

The decision to allow both teams to enter had been challenged by a Costa Rican club, Deportiva Alajuelense, who lifted the 2023 Central American Cup. It was the same year Leon were crowned winners of the Concacaf Champions Cup, a competition won in 2024 by Pachuca, whose place has not been affected.

Chelsea were due to face Leon on 16 June in Atlanta, with Flamengo of Brazil and Tunisian side Esperance, also in Group D.