Mexican Second Division Clubs Strike After Cancellation of Promotion and Relegation System
The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has canceled the promotion and relegation system between Liga MX (First Division) and Liga de Expansion MX (Second Division), keeping the top flight a closed league since 2020. This decision, announced just before the new season, sparked protests from Second Division clubs. On the opening matchday, three games saw players from both teams refuse to play for the first minute in a coordinated strike. The FMF's move contradicts a 2025 Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling that ordered the system's reinstatement for the 2026-2027 season. Clubs like Leones Negros have vowed to challenge the decision legally, citing FIFA's principles of sporting merit and promotion/relegation as foundational to football. The closed league has allowed Liga MX clubs to profit and attract stars like Sergio Ramos and James Rodriguez, but lower-division teams argue it destroys competitive integrity.
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