Mexican Second Division Clubs Strike After Cancellation of Promotion and Relegation
The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has canceled the return of promotion and relegation between Liga MX (First Division) and Liga de Expansion (Second Division), despite a 2025 Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling ordering their reinstatement for the 2026-2027 season. In protest, three Second Division matches on the opening weekend saw players from both teams stand still for the first minute, refusing to play. The FMF published regulations confirming the closed league system less than 24 hours before the Liga MX season started. Lower-division clubs, including Leones Negros and Atlético Morelia, have vowed to challenge the decision in court, citing FIFA's universal principles of sporting merit and promotion/relegation. The closed league, in place since 2020, has allowed Liga MX clubs to attract stars like Sergio Ramos and James Rodriguez but has angered second-tier teams.
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