Mexican Football Clubs Challenge System with CAS Lawsuit for Promotion and Relegation
A coalition of Mexican football clubs has escalated their fight to restore promotion and relegation by filing a lawsuit with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The controversial move, initiated in June 2024, challenges Liga MX’s decision to suspend the system in 2020, arguing it undermines competitive integrity and harms lower-tier teams. This legal battle could force a dramatic restructuring of Mexico’s football pyramid.
Background: The Suspension That Sparked Outrage
Liga MX shocked the football world in 2020 by indefinitely suspending promotion and relegation, citing financial instability during the pandemic. However, critics immediately accused club owners of using COVID-19 as cover to create a closed league system. The decision particularly impacted:
- 12 Ascenso MX clubs now permanently locked out of top-flight football
- 75+ lower-division teams facing reduced investment without promotion incentives
- 3 potential promotions cancelled since 2020 worth estimated $20M+ in revenue
“This isn’t about pandemic recovery—it’s about protecting billionaire owners from sporting consequences,” alleges Carlos Mercado, sports economist at UNAM. His 2023 study showed Liga MX club values increased 42% post-suspension while second-division attendance dropped 58%.
The Legal Battle: Key Arguments from Both Sides
The CAS filing, obtained by journalists, reveals the plaintiffs’ core arguments:
- Violation of FIFA statutes requiring member associations to implement promotion/relegation
- Anti-competitive practices under Swiss law (CAS jurisdiction)
- Material damages to lower-division clubs estimated at $150M collectively
Liga MX counters that their system mirrors successful closed leagues like the NFL, with commissioner Enrique Bonilla stating: “Our priority is stabilizing the industry while expanding youth development—something impossible when clubs face existential threats from relegation.”
However, former Chivas manager José Manuel “Chepo” de la Torre counters: “Football isn’t American sports. The magic comes from small towns dreaming big. Take that away and you kill the soul of Mexican football.”
Stakeholder Reactions: From Fury to Support
The lawsuit has divided Mexican football:
- Supporting Clubs: 14 Liga MX teams and 22 lower-division sides publicly endorsed the action
- Opposing Owners: América, Monterrey, and Tigres ownership groups call it “a dangerous gamble”
- Players’ Union: Surprisingly neutral, focusing instead on wage protections
Fan protests have intensified, with the “Somos Ascenso” movement organizing marches in 15 cities. Their petition demanding system restoration has gathered over 200,000 signatures since January.
Global Precedents: What CAS Might Consider
Legal experts highlight relevant cases:
- 2016: CAS upheld promotion/relegation in Romanian football despite club objections
- 2021: European Super League collapse reinforced FIFA’s authority over league structures
- 2023: Australian clubs won limited pro/rel concessions through similar litigation
Sports lawyer Adriana González notes: “CAS typically defers to FIFA statutes unless compelling economic evidence exists. The plaintiffs’ $150M damage claim could be decisive.”
Potential Outcomes and Industry Impact
Analysts outline three likely scenarios:
- Full Restoration: Immediate return of pro/rel with possible financial safeguards
- Phased Reintroduction: 3-5 year timeline with stricter club licensing
- Status Quo: Liga MX negotiates compensation for excluded clubs
The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) faces mounting pressure as CONCACAF monitors the case. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, regional officials worry about reputational damage from the dispute.
What Comes Next in the Legal Process
CAS procedures suggest:
- July-August 2024: Preliminary hearings and evidence submission
- September: Possible mediation attempts
- November-December: Final ruling expected
The decision’s timing could force Liga MX to restructure before the 2025 Clausura tournament. Meanwhile, second-division clubs threaten to boycott Liga MX exhibition matches unless negotiations begin.
As this historic battle unfolds, fans worldwide watch whether Mexican football will reclaim its competitive traditions or cement its transformation into a closed commercial enterprise. For ongoing coverage, subscribe to our Mexican football newsletter for expert analysis.
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