Chelsea’s Club World Cup group has been thrown into chaos after Mexican side Leon were disqualified from the tournament due to FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee ruled that Leon, who are part of Grupo Pachuca, violated competition regulations as their sister club, CF Pachuca, had also qualified for the tournament. As a result, Leon have been removed from the competition, leaving a vacant spot in Chelsea’s group.

A statement from FIFA confirmed the decision, stating that both clubs “failed to meet the ownership criteria outlined in the competition’s regulations.”

Leon, however, strongly disagreed with the ruling. In a response, the club insisted they operate independently from Pachuca and announced their intention to challenge FIFA’s decision in court.

Meanwhile, Grupo Pachuca owner Jesús Martínez has hinted at a drastic solution to the issue. Speaking on the controversy, he revealed:

“We are willing to sell our controlling stake in Leon if that is what it takes to resolve this situation.”

With Leon out, FIFA has yet to announce a replacement, but reports suggest the vacant spot will go to another North American team. Los Angeles FC and Columbus Crew are believed to be leading contenders.

For Chelsea, this means they will now face a different opponent in their group, which already includes Flamengo and ES Tunis, when the tournament kicks off in June.