Liga Expansión Clubs Withdraw Complaint Against FMF
In a notable advancement, several liga Expansión clubs have decided to withdraw their complaint against the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This action alters the landscape of the ongoing dispute regarding promotion and relegation within Mexican football.
Key Withdrawals
- Oaxaca FC Alebrijes: The Arbitral Sports Court (TAS) has received official confirmation that Oaxaca FC Alebrijes is withdrawing from the complaint. The agency stated,
I take note that the Oaxaca FC Aless of the appeal. Consequently, Oaxaca FC Alebrijes is no more part of this arbitration.
- Atlante and Tampico Madero: These clubs had previously stepped back from the initial complaint.
Original Complainants
Initially, nine teams joined forces to denounce the FMF, raising concerns about the handling of the Expansion League and, primarily, the absence of the Ascent and Descent system.The original group included:
- La Paz athletic Club
- Morelia Athletic Club
- Cancun FC
- Cimarrones de Sonora
- Alebrijes de Oaxaca
- mineros de Zacatecas
- Dorados de Sinaloa (deer)
- Leones Negros (black lions)
- Jaiba Brava
The Remaining Seven
Following the withdrawals, seven teams are continuing with the complaint against the FMF, which remains in process with the TAS. These teams are:
- La Paz Club Athletic
- Morelia Athletic Club
- Cancun FC
- Cimarrones de Sonora
- Mineros de Zacatecas
- Dorados de Sinaloa
- Leones Negros
Pro Tip
The promotion and relegation system is a critical component of competitive balance in football leagues. Its absence can lead to stagnation and reduced incentives for clubs in lower divisions.
Background on the Dispute
The core of the complaint revolves around the desire to reinstate the Ascent and Descent system, allowing teams from Liga Expansión to compete for promotion to Liga MX, and vice versa. This system, common in many football leagues worldwide, fosters competition and provides financial incentives for clubs to perform well. The absence of this system has led to concerns about Liga MX becoming a closed league, similar to Major League Soccer [[2]].
Furthermore, the complaint addresses other grievances related to the FMFS management of the Expansion League, though specific details of these grievances were not provided.
Reader Question
How does the absence of promotion and relegation affect the competitiveness of Liga MX and Liga Expansión?
CAS Involvement
the Court of Arbitration for sport (CAS) is now tasked with reviewing the claims made by the remaining clubs. CAS is an autonomous institution, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, that resolves disputes related to sport through arbitration.its decisions are binding and recognized by most international sports federations.
According to The Athletic,the 10 clubs from Mexico’s Liga Expansión are demanding the return of promotion and relegation ahead of the 2025-2026 season [[1]].
Did You Know?
Multi-club ownership (MCO) is also a point of contention in Mexican football, with some clubs seeking to end this practice to ensure fair competition [[2]].
