Mexican Football Federation fines clubs over promotion protest

The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) warned and fined clubs in the Liga de Expansión after they staged minute‑long protests at the start of Apertura 2026 matches to object to the new competition regulation that eliminates promotion and relegation from the 2026‑27 season. The disciplinary commission imposed a penalty of 2,000 UMAs (over 200,000 pesos) on each protesting club and issued a formal admonition, stating that any repeat could trigger a 1‑0 forfeiture and higher fines. The protests occurred in three of the first seven games – Mineros de Zacatecas vs Correcaminos UAT, Morelia vs Atlético La Paz, and Leones Negros vs Coyotes – with players standing still for the first minute and benches chanting for the return of promotion.