The new FIFA Club World Cup trophy.
Image credit: iDiski Times
Chelsea’s path in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup has taken a surprising turn.
Originally, Chelsea was supposed to face Club Leon, but that team was banned from the tournament.
Chelsea will instead play their first match of the FIFA Club World Cup against Los Angeles FC (LAFC).
Why Was Club Leon Removed?
Club Leon and another team called Pachuca have the same owners.
FIFA rules say one owner can’t control two teams in the same tournament.
So, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) agreed that Club Leon had to be removed from the competition.
Who Replaced Them?
LAFC and another team, Club America, played a match to take Club Leon’s spot.
LAFC won the game 2-1 in extra time and will now join Chelsea’s group in the tournament.
LAFC will earn at least $9.55 million just for qualifying. There is also a huge prize pool of $1 billion to be shared by all 32 teams.
What’s Next for Chelsea?
Chelsea enters the tournament with confidence.
