Cruz Azul is taking its dispute with Rodrigo Huescas to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after FIFA ruled in the player’s favor, ordering the club to pay $300,000 to the Mexican fullback. The Cementeros, currently 2nd in Liga MX with 6 points (2 wins in 2 games, 5 goals scored, 3 conceded), aim to overturn the decision that validated his move to Copenhagen via a $2 million release clause.
What did FIFA decide?
FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber ruled that Huescas did not breach his contract by triggering the release clause paid by the Danish club. It also ordered Cruz Azul to pay 15% of the transfer value ($300,000) within a set deadline, with sanctions on new signings if unpaid. The official document states the amount must include 5% annual interest from September 2, 2024.
Why is Cruz Azul appealing to CAS?
According to sports law expert Marcelo Bee Sellares, the club’s legal team argues there were irregularities in the clause payment. In 2024, Huescas left La Máquina to join Copenhagen, but Cruz Azul claimed disputes with the player’s agents and the Danish side. The club previously stated it never blocked Huescas’ international ambitions.
What happens next?
The case will be heard by CAS in September, where Cruz Azul will seek to recover the $5 million it claims in compensation. Meanwhile, the team prepares for its next Liga MX fixture: a home game against Atlante FC on August 2, following a 3-game winning streak (most recently, a 2-1 victory over Puebla on July 22).
