PARIS: Club Leon from Mexico were incensed Friday after they were banned from the June-July Club World Cup in the United States for violating rules on multi-ownership, FIFA announced Friday. Leon expressed their “anger and indignation” on social media, saying the decision “goes against the spirit of fair competition” and aim to appeal. A FIFA appeals committee, responding to a complaint by Costa Rican club Alajuelense, ruled that Leon and another club from Mexico, Pachuca, failed to meet tournament regulations on multi-club ownership. Both sides are owned by Grupo Pachuca. Leon, the winners of the 2023 CONCACAF regions Champions Cup, were thrown out of the World Club Cup.