Mexican clubs sue Liga MX over abolition of promotion and relegation

Liga MX promotion relegation Leones Negros legal challenge Mexican football

The Liga MX announced that, starting with the 2026‑27 season, the system of promotion and relegation between the first division and the Liga de Expansión MX will be permanently removed. The change was formalised in a new competition regulation approved by the executive committee of the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF).

Three clubs from the second tier – Leones Negros de la Universidad de Guadalajara, Atlético Morelia and Cancún FC – issued a joint statement rejecting the decision. They said the move violates the principle of sporting merit recognised by FIFA and its confederations, and they have begun legal actions to defend their right to ascend based on performance. The clubs called on fans, media, sponsors and football officials to support their cause and urged the FMF to honour previous promises to restore the promotion‑relegation system.

The regulation retains the coefficient table for statistical purposes only and eliminates the financial penalties previously applied to the lowest‑ranked teams. The clubs contend that the abolition harms competition, club investment and player development across Mexican football.