Berizzo Blasts Infantino and FIFA Over Club León's Club World Cup Exclusion

Eduardo Berizzo has lashed out at FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino following the controversial exclusion of Club León from the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. The Argentine coach, currently in charge of León, criticized the governing body’s decision to disqualify the Mexican side due to a conflict of interest over shared ownership with Pachuca. According to RedGol, Berizzo called Infantino’s remarks “reckless and unnecessary”.

The controversy erupted after Infantino publicly stated that, should the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) uphold FIFA’s decision, a playoff would be held between LAFC and Club América to fill the vacant slot—effectively ruling out León before a final verdict. “A FIFA president should remain neutral until the decision is finalized. His words carry weight and could influence the outcome,” Berizzo argued.

The former Chile national team manager also criticized the silence of the Mexican Football Federation, questioning their lack of support in defending León’s case. “It’s shocking that the Mexican Federation hasn’t said a word about this situation,” he added.

Berizzo emphasized that the decision feels like an institutional injustice. “We don’t even know why we’re eliminated. It feels like football is being run by people with hidden agendas,” he said. The coach remains hopeful that CAS will issue a fair ruling, while also condemning the broader management practices at FIFA.