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Liga de Expansión clubs protest removal of promotion and relegation
Footballers and clubs in Mexico’s Liga de Expansión are intensifying protests against the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) following the definitive removal of the promotion and relegation system. Players from several clubs, including Leones Negros, Atlético Morelia, Mineros de Zacatecas, Atlético La Paz, Cancún FC, Venados FC, and Universidad Michoacana, issued an open letter to FMF Commissioner Mikel Arriola. They argue that the current ‘development league’ model lacks the necessary competitive pressure required for true player formation.
The protesters highlighted a contradiction in the FMF’s stance, noting that Andrés Lillini, Director of Minor National Teams, has previously defended promotion and relegation as essential tools for building player resilience.
In addition to the open letter, five clubs—Leones Negros, Cancún FC, Atlético La Paz, Atlético Morelia, and Mineros de Zacatecas—have filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to challenge the decision. During recent matches, Leones Negros players and fans have utilized banners and specialized jerseys with messages such as ‘Rugimos por el ascenso’ (We roar for promotion) and ‘El futbol es de todos ¡Sí al ascenso!’ to demand the restoration of sporting meritocracy.
Entities
Andrés Lillini · Court of Arbitration for Sport · Federación Mexicana de Futbol · Jaiba Brava · Leones Negros · Leones Negros de la UdeG · Liga de Expansión MX · Mexican Football Federation · Mikel Arriola · Tribunal de Árbitraje Deportivo
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] Five Liga de Expansión teams have filed a resource with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding the promotion system. jornadabc.com.mx · www.si.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Liga MX has suspended the promotion and relegation system since 2020. jornadabc.com.mx
- [● 2 SOURCES] Leones Negros players wore shirts protesting the lack of promotion and relegation in Mexican football. jornadabc.com.mx · www.si.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Leones Negros defeated Jaiba Brava 4-0 in a Liga de Expansión match. jornadabc.com.mx · www.si.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Leones Negros club displayed a banner reading ‘Rugimos por el ascenso’ during their match. jornadabc.com.mx · www.si.com