Chelsea's opponents for the opening Club World Cup group stage match this summer have changed after Mexican outfit Leon were kicked out of the tournament.
December's draw pitted Chelsea against Leon as well as Flamengo and ES Tunis. Taking place in America, the first game for Enzo Maresca's side is due to be played on June 16.
However, Leon have been removed after a committee found them in breach of multi-club ownership rules. A statement from FIFA reads: "Following disciplinary proceedings opened against CF Pachuca and Club Leon, the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided to refer the case directly to the FIFA Appeal Committee in accordance with article 56 paragraph 3 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
"After having evaluated all evidence on file, the chairman of the FIFA Appeal Committee has decided that CF Pachuca and Club Leon failed to meet the criteria on multi-club ownership defined under article 10 paragraph 1 of the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ .
"In line with article 10 paragraph 4 of the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, FIFA has determined that Club Leon will be removed from the competition, with the club to be admitted as a replacement to be announced in due course." The news comes less than three months before Chelsea were due to face their South American opponents.
The Club World Cup is already providing an obstacle to transfer business and pre-season as it starts just over two weeks following the Premier League's conclusion. Chelsea are not expected to go on a tour this summer with this in mind.
The Club World Cup final is being played just over five weeks before the start of the new Premier League season in August. Teams are being urged to field their strongest XI in order to best showcase the revamped tournament.
football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel
Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Want to keep up to date with the breaking and important Chelsea stories whilst on the move? Well now you can!
Click this link to follow the football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel, where you'll be kept up to date on the latest Blues news wherever you are.
Just remember to turn on the notifications once you've followed, and you won't miss a beat!