CAS Denies Pacífico FC’s Appeal to Rejoin Peru’s Liga 1 in 2025

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed Pacífico FC’s appeal to re-enter Peru’s top-flight Liga 1 for the 2025 season. As reported by La República, the tribunal upheld a previous ruling from the Appeals Commission of the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF), citing that the club forfeited its federative membership after failing to participate in competition following its 2015 relegation.

Unlike Ayacucho FC and Binacional, which forced their way back into Liga 1 via domestic court rulings—actions that contravene FIFA and CONMEBOL regulations—Pacífico FC pursued the official route through international arbitration since 2023. However, the CAS verdict effectively closes the door on the club’s return to the top division.

The FPF reiterated that it will not assume responsibility for any fallout related to breaches of international governance rules and confirmed that the current league format will remain unchanged despite recent legal turbulence.

Pacífico FC earned promotion to Liga 1 after winning the second division in 2012 but lasted just one season in the top tier, relegated in 2013. According to lawyer Marcelo Bee Sellares, who accessed the ruling, the CAS decision is final and affirms that Pacífico’s exclusion stemmed from its failure to meet participation requirements after descending from the professional system.