Background and Context
The Mexican soccer landscape is facing a significant challenge as the second division, represented by 15 teams in the Liga de Expansión, has reached its limit. Ten of these clubs—Atlante, La Paz, Morelia, Cancún, Celaya, Cimarrones, Alebrijes, Mineros, Venados, and Leones Negros—are taking action by filing a case with the Tribunal Arbitral del Deporte (TAS). Their goal is to pressure Liga MX and the Federación Mexicana de Futbol (FMF) to reinstate the promotion and relegation system for the 2025-26 season.
The Current Situation
For the past five years, promotion and relegation have been suspended in Mexican soccer. This situation has led to the current predicament, with ten expansion clubs seeking TAS intervention. The FMF has not yet been officially notified of the case, but The Athletic has obtained the documents and spoken with the attorney handling it. Once TAS makes a decision, they will notify the FMF.
The Demanding Clubs
The ten clubs pushing for change are Atlante, La Paz, Morelia, Cancún, Celaya, Cimarrones, Alebrijes, Mineros, Venados, and Leones Negros. Notably, Leones Negros is currently contesting the Clausura 2025 final against Jaiba Brava.
Impact on the Upcoming Assembly of Owners
This case adds pressure to the upcoming Assembly of Owners on May 26, where club owners will discuss whether the 2025-26 season should be the sixth consecutive without club mobility. Owners aim to prevent the suspension from extending into another year.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
Article 12 bis of the FMF’s statutes establishes the right to promotion and relegation for affiliated clubs in lower divisions, including Liga de Expansión, Liga Premier, and Liga TDP. The article states that these clubs should automatically ascend to the next division based on predetermined numbers and forms outlined in the competition regulations.
History of Promotion and Relegation Suspension
The suspension of the promotion and relegation system was implemented during the 2019-20 season. Previously, teams were promoted based on their performance in the league, with the champion or top-performing teams advancing to Liga MX. Liga MX set a requirement of four certified clubs meeting stadium and youth development standards before activating promotion.
Owner Support and Liga MX’s Role
Jorge Alberto Hank Inzunza, owner of Xolos de Tijuana, Gallos Blancos, and Dorados de Sinaloa, supports the reinstatement of promotion and relegation. He also advocates for considering Liga Premier (third-division) teams for ascension to the Expansión League.
Financial Implications
At the end of each season, Liga MX receives a payment from the bottom three teams in the coefficient table. This year, Atlas will pay 33 million pesos, Puebla 47 million pesos, and Mazatlán a substantial 80 million pesos.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue? Ten expansion clubs are seeking TAS intervention to pressure Liga MX and FMF to reinstate the promotion and relegation system for the 2025-26 season.
- Why is this important? The suspension of promotion and relegation for five years has created an unsustainable situation in the second division, with 15 teams reaching their limit.
- What is the role of TAS? The Tribunal Arbitral del Deporte will review the case filed by the ten clubs and may pressure Liga MX and FMF to reinstate promotion and relegation.
- What are the potential consequences for Liga MX and FMF? If TAS rules in favor of the clubs, Liga MX and FMF may be compelled to reinstate promotion and relegation, impacting the financial structure of the league.
- Who supports the reinstatement? Owners like Jorge Alberto Hank Inzunza advocate for the return of promotion and relegation, emphasizing the need to include Liga Premier teams in the ascension process.
