Mexican Senate Moves to Reinstate Promotion and Relegation in Soccer
On September 21, 2026, a bipartisan group of senators in Mexico announced a significant reform proposal aimed at restoring promotion and relegation in Liga MX, the country's top football league. Spearheaded by Senator Clemente Castañeda of the Movimiento Ciudadano party, this legislation seeks to legally mandate sporting merit as the basis for participation in national sports associations, directly challenging the closed-league model that Liga MX has adopted since the suspension of promotion and relegation in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Initially framed as a temporary measure, the suspension was supposed to last five years, with the expectation that promotion and relegation would return in 2025. However, in July 2026, Liga MX made the controversial decision to eliminate these rules permanently, effectively solidifying a closed system that many believe undermines the competitive integrity of the sport in Mexico.
The proposed legislation, which will be formally introduced on September 22, targets amendments to the Ley General de Cultura Física y Deporte, Mexico's general law governing sports. Importantly, the proposal is crafted to avoid the appearance of direct political interference in soccer. Instead of dictating specific league structures, it would require national sports associations to incorporate sporting merit as a fundamental principle, thereby making a closed system incompatible with the legal framework governing sports in Mexico.
Support for the initiative spans across the political spectrum, with notable backing from both the ruling party and opposition figures. Senators like Ignacio Mier from the Morena party have joined Castañeda in advocating for this reform, emphasizing the need for a system that allows lower-division clubs to earn their place in the top flight based on performance rather than financial clout.
The reaction from second-division clubs has been overwhelmingly supportive, as they argue that the current closed system creates barriers not only for clubs but also for players, coaching staff, and community-level football initiatives. This sentiment highlights the broader implications of the reform, which could enhance player development and community engagement in Mexican football.
Interestingly, the absence of key figures such as FMF commissioner Mikel Arriola and Liga MX president Francisco Iturbide at the Senate forum raises questions about the league's stance on the proposed changes. Liga MX has consistently defended its closed system, arguing that it provides financial stability and protects investments in club infrastructure, aligning with franchise models seen in other North American sports.
No Points for Excuses
As the reform moves forward, it faces a lengthy legislative process that includes committee reviews, floor debates, and potential legal challenges from Liga MX and the Mexican Football Federation. Additionally, the enforcement of such a law poses its own challenges, particularly given FIFA's historical opposition to government interference in national football associations. Mexican legislators appear to be aware of this risk, which is likely why the proposal focuses on broad principles of sporting merit rather than dictating specific league formats.
For Expansión clubs, this reform represents a crucial opportunity to challenge the status quo after their previous appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport was rejected in 2025. The outcome of this legislative initiative could significantly reshape the competitive landscape of Mexican soccer, impacting club dynamics and the future of the sport in the country.
