Background on the Situation
Liga MX, Mexico’s top-tier football league, has been under scrutiny regarding the reinstatement of promotion to its highest division. The controversy revolves around six clubs from the Liga de Expansión (Expansion League) – Atlético La Paz, Morelia, Cancún FC, Mineros de Zacatecas, Venados FC, and Leones Negros de la UDG – who have been advocating for the immediate return of promotion rules.
Tribunal de Arbitraje Deportivo (TAS) Ruling
On Thursday, the Tribunal de Arbitraje Deportivo (TAS), the international sports arbitration tribunal, dismissed the appeal of these six clubs. Their request sought an immediate resumption of promotion rules to Liga MX.
Implications of the TAS Decision
The TAS ruling mandates that Liga MX will reinstate promotion rules, but not until the second cycle of 2027. This decision leaves the specifics of implementing these rules to be determined by the Owners Assembly of the Mexican Football Federation (FMF).
Owners Assembly’s Role
According to the FMF communication, the General Assembly will establish the execution guidelines for the 2020 agreement. This means that before the start of Apertura 2026 (the first half of the 2026-27 season), the Owners Assembly must define the conditions for the promotion rules.
Financial and Opportunity Aspects
The six clubs argued that reactivating this model would create new opportunities for clubs, players, technical staff, fans, sponsors, and the overall growth of football in Mexico. However, as a result of losing their appeal, these clubs are now required to pay 12,000 Swiss francs (approximately $15,000) to the FMF to cover legal costs associated with the process.
Recent History of Promotion
The last team to be promoted to Liga MX was Atlético de San Luis, concluding the 2018-19 season.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the six clubs involved in this controversy? The clubs are Atlético La Paz, Morelia, Cancún FC, Mineros de Zacatecas, Venados FC, and Leones Negros de la UDG.
- What was the main request of these clubs? They sought an immediate resumption of promotion rules allowing teams from the Liga de Expansión to join Liga MX.
- When will promotion rules be reinstated in Liga MX? The TAS ruling states that promotion rules will return by the second half of 2027.
- Who is responsible for defining the conditions of these promotion rules? The Owners Assembly of the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) must establish these guidelines before the start of Apertura 2026.
- What financial obligation do the six clubs now face? They must pay 12,000 Swiss francs (approximately $15,000) to the FMF for legal costs related to their appeal.
