Mexican Senate moves to restore promotion and relegation in Liga MX

Mexico’s Senate has moved to reopen the long-running dispute over promotion and relegation in the country’s professional football system, with lawmakers preparing legislation that would seek to restore movement between Liga MX and the second-tier Liga de Expansión MX.

The proposal, led by Senator Clemente Castañeda of Movimiento Ciudadano and backed by lawmakers from other political groups, is expected to be formally presented on Tuesday. Castañeda said the reform would establish sporting merit as an obligation for national sports associations and place promotion and relegation within Mexican law.

The debate comes after Mexican football authorities removed promotion and relegation from the rules for the 2026-27 season. Under the current regulations, Liga MX clubs cannot be relegated to Liga de Expansión, while second-tier clubs cannot earn promotion to the top division.

The system had been suspended in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Liga MX owners citing financial difficulties among second-division clubs. The suspension was initially presented as a temporary measure, but the planned return of promotion and relegation did not take place. Several second-division clubs have since protested and pursued legal avenues to restore the system.

The latest Senate initiative has brought the football authorities and lower-division clubs into sharper disagreement. Castañeda said Liga MX president Francisco Iturbide and Mexican Football Federation commissioner Mikel Arriola had been invited to participate in the Senate discussion but did not attend. The Associated Press said the Mexican federation did not respond to its request for comment.

One of the central issues is the certification requirements imposed on clubs seeking to reach Liga MX. Among the requirements cited in reports is a 30,000-seat stadium capacity, a threshold that some existing top-flight clubs themselves do not meet. Supporters of reinstatement argue that the restrictions have limited opportunities for second-tier teams to advance through sporting performance.

The dispute has also moved beyond the football authorities. Mexico’s National Antimonopoly Commission (CNA) opened an investigation on September 14 into possible anti-competitive practices in the professional football market. The commission stressed that opening the investigation does not establish that a violation has occurred or determine the responsibility of any party.

The investigation covers the market for affiliation, organisation and access to professional federated football competitions in Mexico. The CNA said it had found sufficient indications to begin an investigation into possible monopolistic practices.

Meanwhile, protests have continued at second-division matches. Players and supporters have displayed messages calling for promotion to return, while clubs including Leones Negros, Atlético Morelia, Cancún, Atlético La Paz and Mineros de Zacatecas remain involved in efforts to challenge the current system.

The Senate debate therefore adds another layer to a dispute that is already being fought through football authorities, legal proceedings and an antitrust investigation. Whether the proposed legislation ultimately changes the structure of Mexican football will depend on the legislative process and the response of the country’s football governing bodies.