A major development is unfolding in Mexican football, as eleven clubs from Liga de Expansión MX have filed a formal complaint with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and all 18 clubs in Liga MX. Their demand: the return of promotion and relegation for the 2025–26 season.
A Battle for Sporting Merit
This legal move reignites tensions stemming from a 2020 agreement that suspended promotion and relegation for six seasons. The deal, introduced in response to the financial impact of COVID-19, was initially pitched as a temporary stabilising measure. Now, second-tier clubs believe the FMF and several top-flight stakeholders are quietly lobbying for a permanent closed-league model, akin to Major League Soccer (MLS).
But for many in Mexico’s football ecosystem, this isn’t just about competition formats — it’s about equity, development, and future viability.
Legal Arguments and Timeline
The complaint, led by Brazilian law firm Carlezzo Advogados, highlights:
- Urgency: Clubs need clarity to make investment decisions for infrastructure, player recruitment, and media rights negotiations ahead of next season.
- Lack of Transparency: The FMF has allegedly failed to communicate its position or timelines.
- Multi-Club Ownership Concerns: The claim also flags issues with governance, as four ownership groups control two clubs each in Liga MX — a practice that recently led to Club León’s exclusion from the Club World Cup due to a conflict with Pachuca, both owned by Jesús Martínez.
The FMF has stated it has not yet been notified of the CAS complaint but will respond if and when proceedings are confirmed. A final ruling is expected by late 2025.
Strategic Insight: What’s at Stake
The implications of this case go far beyond domestic league structure:
For Investors: Uncertainty around promotion and relegation creates risk for media rights, infrastructure ROI, and club valuation models. A decision in favor of reinstatement could re-open the door for long-term football investments in Mexico’s second tier.
For Global Stakeholders: With Mexico co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, global visibility is at an all-time high. A return to promotion and relegation would send a strong message about sporting integrity — especially in contrast to the more commercialized, closed-league models seen elsewhere.
For Fans: Promotion and relegation add tension, drama, and purpose to every fixture. As second-tier clubs demand fair access to the top flight, they’re also defending the soul of Mexican football.
This moment is a strategic inflection point for Mexican football. Whichever way CAS rules, it will define not just league formats, but the business of football in North America post-2026.
IMAGE: USA TODAY
