Background on the Current Situation
In 2020, clubs from Mexico’s top two divisions along with the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) agreed to suspend the promotion and relegation system for six seasons. This decision aimed to stabilize teams following the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Appeal by Second Division Clubs
On May 19, ten clubs from Mexico’s second division filed an appeal with the Tribunal de Arbitraje Deportivo (TAS), seeking to reinstate the promotion and relegation system in Mexico’s first division. The clubs involved are Atlante, Atlético La Paz, Atlético Morelia, Cancún, Cimarrones de Sonora, Alebrijes de Oaxaca, Mineros de Zacatecas, Venados, Leones Negros (University of Guadalajara), and Jaiba Brava.
Details of the Appeal
According to TAS, “The parties are exchanging written submissions in accordance with the arbitration rules governing the TAS appeal procedures. Once the written phase is complete, and with the agreement of the parties, a hearing date will be set.”
Impact on Current Season and Upcoming Tournaments
Leones Negros and Jaiba Brava are set to play their return match in the Liga de Expansión final on Saturday. Jaiba Brava won the first leg 2-1.
Currently, only the champion receives a trophy and an economic prize. Mexico is scheduled to host the upcoming World Cup alongside the United States and Canada.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who filed the appeal? Ten second-division Mexican clubs: Atlante, Atlético La Paz, Atlético Morelia, Cancún, Cimarrones de Sonora, Alebrijes de Oaxaca, Mineros de Zacatecas, Venados, Leones Negros (University of Guadalajara), and Jaiba Brava.
- What is the purpose of the appeal? To reinstate the promotion and relegation system in Mexico’s first division.
- When was the appeal filed? The appeal was submitted to TAS on May 19.
- What is the current status of the appeal process? The written phase is ongoing, and a hearing date will be set once the parties agree.
- How does the suspension of promotion and relegation affect teams? The suspension ensures that clubs in the top two divisions remain stable financially following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it also prevents teams from moving up or down based on their performance.
- What tournaments will Mexico host in the near future? Mexico, along with the United States and Canada, will host the upcoming World Cup.
