The Club World Cup playoff match between America and LAFC has generated some criticism, but Baños defended his club
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The match between América and LAFC is expected to be played on May 31 at BMO StadiumLas Águilas received the invitation as the highest-ranked Concacaf teamLAFC was included due to their runner-up finish in the 2023 finalWatch every game of the FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZNStream nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
On Tuesday, América received the opportunity to participate in the 2025 Club World Cup through a playoff match against LAFC, following the CAS ruling that disqualified Club León for violating tournament regulations, despite initial protests from Alajuelense, who had hoped to play in the tournament. The match against the Los Angeles team will be held on May 31 at BMO Stadium – according to sources.
In light of this, Santiago Baños, the President of América's sports division, spoke about FIFA's decision to invite them to this match, the criticisms the club has faced regarding their potential participation in the 2025 Club World Cup, which will take place this summer in the United States. However, he emphasized that they remain focused on the current Clausura 2025 playoffs, which begin tonight against Pachuca, as América aims to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive championship.
"Obviously, we’re happy to have the chance to play this playoff against LAFC and, if we win, represent our country, our confederation, and our league in the Club World Cup. But, as I mentioned, we’re taking it step by step. Right now, our focus is on the quarterfinals (of the playoffs)," Baños told TUDN in an interview. He also confirmed that they had not received official communication from FIFA about their potential participation in the World Cup, which will feature 32 teams in a format similar to the FIFA World Cup for national teams, starting on June 14.
Rumors about América potentially taking the spot left vacant by Club León caused uncertainty within the team's locker room. Baños shared how the weeks leading up to the CAS decision were experienced by the players, with the confirmation of León's disqualification coming on Tuesday.
“It’s been complicated because it seemed like we were involved in FIFA’s and the CAS’s decision-making process, which isn’t true. If we recall, the Costa Rican team was the one who started this whole process in CAS against the Pachuca Group, and we were just keeping an eye on things. Gradually, the situation escalated until [FIFA President Gianni] Infantino was one of the people who could explain it,” Baños said.
“We weren’t formally informed. In fact, I can tell you that to this day, there’s no document confirming our participation in that match. So, it’s been complicated because it obviously causes internal noise as well,” Baños added in an exclusive interview with TUDN.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
After FIFA's official announcement about the possibility of playing in the Club World Cup via a playoff match against LAFC, with the date, time, and venue yet to be confirmed by the organization, Baños welcomed the news with open arms. He believes it is a tournament they cannot turn down, as they have done nothing wrong on their part. "When you get an opportunity, you accept it with open arms. We haven’t done anything wrong, and there’s a formal invitation from an international sports institution, and we have great respect for that," he said.
"We’ll take it with both hands and fight for the playoff. Hopefully, we’ll win it and bring the best version of América to the Club World Cup, aiming to represent the league, Concacaf, and Mexico in the best possible way on the international stage," Baños concluded after FIFA's announcement regarding the game against LAFC.
Getty Images SportWHAT ANDRÉ JARDINE SAID
“For the club, it’s great news and a huge opportunity – at the same time, it’s also a big responsibility to live up to the honor of representing Mexican football,” said América’s head coach. “I’m very happy because I believe this institution has been well-organized for many years, consistently delivering strong performances. I think it’s a great ambassador for Mexican football in any game, tournament, or competition.”
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CLUB AMÉRICA?
Tonight, will face Pachuca in the Clausura 2025 playoffs’ quarterfinals. If they advance to the semifinals and eventually the Final, they will be able to fully focus on their path to the Club World Cup after May 25, the day of the return leg of the Final of the Liga MX.
