Background and Key Players
The Liga de Expansión, Mexico’s second-tier football league, is set to commence its new season on August 1st amidst a legal dispute between eight teams and the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF). The situation has created a fragmented playing field, with tensions escalating over the past few weeks.
The Legal Dispute
Following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, eight teams from the Liga de Expansión took legal action against the FMF. They accused the federation of failing to implement a proper promotion and relegation system, effectively locking them out of advancing to Mexico’s top-tier Liga MX.
Key Teams Involved
- Alebrijes de Oaxaca: A historic team from Oaxaca, striving to climb the football ladder.
- Atlético La Paz: A club from the city of La Paz, Baja California Sur, seeking a fair chance at promotion.
- Atlético Morelia: A well-known team from the city of Morelia, Michoacán, fighting for their rightful place in Liga MX.
- Cancún FC: A coastal team from Cancún, Quintana Roo, aiming to break into the top division.
- Leones Negros de la Universidad de Guadalajara: A team affiliated with the University of Guadalajara, Jalisco, pursuing promotion.
- Mineros de Zacatecas: A mining town’s team from Zacatecas, striving for a better football future.
- Tepatitlán: A team from the city of Tepatitlán, Jalisco, seeking a path to Liga MX.
- Venados de Mérida: A team from the city of Merida, Yucatán, fighting for promotion.
Historical Context and Grievances
The teams have cited past instances where promotion and relegation systems were either suspended or manipulated, such as Cafetaleros de Tapachula in 2018. Despite their on-field success, they were denied the opportunity to advance due to the FMF’s lack of certification. In contrast, Lobos BUAP paid 120 million pesos to remain in the top division.
FMF’s Stance
The FMF has defended its position, asserting that the promotion process is open but requires a minimum of four teams to meet specific financial and structural criteria before any can ascend to Liga MX if they win the Campeón de Campeones title in the Liga de Expansión.
Current Situation and Impact on the New Season
The eight teams have declared their refusal to participate in the certification process for promotion, citing an unfair system. Seven other teams are currently restricted from participating due to financial or ownership issues, including Coyotes de Tlaxcala, Tampico Madero and Irapuato (invited teams), Dorados and Tapatío (multi-ownership with Liga MX clubs Tijuana and Chivas), Cimarrones de Sonora, and Celaya (unable to participate in the 2025-26 season).
New Season Details
Despite the controversy, the Apertura 2025 season will kick off on August 1st with 15 teams, including the newcomer Irapuato. The season will conclude on November 9th, with playoffs starting from November 12th. Semifinals will take place from November 19th to 23rd, and the final will be played on November 29th (first leg) and December 6th (second leg).
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Liga de Expansión? The Liga de Expansión is Mexico’s second-tier football league, which replaced the extinct Liga de Ascenso.
- Who are the eight teams involved in the dispute? The teams are Alebrijes de Oaxaca, Atlético La Paz, Atlético Morelia, Cancún FC, Leones Negros de la Universidad de Guadalajara, Mineros de Zacatecas, Tepatitlán, and Venados de Mérida.
- What are their grievances against the FMF? The teams accuse the FMF of failing to implement a fair promotion and relegation system, effectively denying their rightful chance to advance to Liga MX.
- What is the current status of the new season? The Apertura 2025 season will commence on August 1st with 15 teams, including the newcomer Irapuato. The season will conclude on November 9th, with playoffs starting from November 12th.
