Mexican clubs challenge FMF's permanent end to promotion and relegation

The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) approved a new sporting model on August 20, 2026, that permanently eliminates promotion and relegation between Liga MX and Liga de Expansión MX, sparking protests and legal challenges from second-division clubs. The FMF's plan integrates Liga Expansión MX, Liga Premier, Liga TDP, and the amateur sector into a new pyramid, while Liga MX remains separate, with no sporting path for clubs to move up or down. Source: Infobae Source: Excélsior

The new model

Under the restructuring, Liga Expansión MX becomes the "Primera FMF," with Liga Premier and Liga TDP below it. FMF President Ivar Sisniega said the decision to close promotion to Liga MX was made by the Liga itself, not the Federation, and that a promotion-relegation mechanism will exist only among the FMF-affiliated leagues. Source: Milenio The model aims to strengthen development and expand professional football to over 100 cities, with gradual implementation through 2027. Source: Infobae

The backlash

Five clubs—Atlético La Paz, Leones Negros, Cancún FC, Atlético Morelia, and Mineros de Zacatecas—have filed complaints with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS). Source: Excélsior Players have protested on the pitch, wearing shirts referencing historic promotions and displaying banners like "Sin ascenso no hay pirámide, hay división." Source: Milenio They also sent a letter to FMF commissioner Mikel Arriola, arguing that competition is essential for development. Source: Milenio

Disagreements and criticism

FMF officials argue that the gap in infrastructure and budget—citing 1,200 million pesos versus 50 million pesos—makes promotion unviable. Source: Excélsior Critics, including politician Jorge Álvarez Máynez, call the move a "closed league of franchises" and have asked Mexico's antitrust commission to investigate potential monopolistic practices. Source: Infobae Analysts also question the lack of clear sporting criteria, noting that Atlante's return to Liga MX came through purchasing a franchise, not on-field merit. Source: Excélsior Source: Heraldo