Mexican Senate proposes reform to reinstate football promotion and relegation

Liga MX ascenso y descenso Mexican Senate sporting merit football reform

The Mexican Senate has introduced a legislative initiative to reform the General Law of Physical Culture and Sport, aiming to reinstate the system of promotion and relegation in professional football. Presented by Senator Clemente Castañeda of Movimiento Ciudadano, the proposal seeks to mandate that sporting merit serves as the primary mechanism for movement between professional divisions, such as Liga MX and Liga de Expansión.

The initiative has garnered support from various political groups, including Morena, PAN, PT, and PVEM. Proponents argue that the current closed model limits competitiveness and hinders the development of new talent. High-profile figures have weighed in: Atlético Morelia goalkeeper Roberto Galán criticized the lack of competitiveness in the current structure, while Chivas player Rubén “Oso” González expressed the club's historical support for the return of promotion and relegation.

Other voices, including player Javier Aquino, have noted that while the return of promotion is beneficial, the current level of the Expansion League may not match the former Ascenso division. Additionally, broadcaster Christian Martinoli suggested further reforms, such as reducing the number of foreign players allowed per squad. The legislative process is expected to continue through the Senate's sports and legislative study commissions, with potential resolutions possible by December 2026.

Entities

Chivas de Guadalajara · Clemente Castañeda · Federación Mexicana de Futbol · Liga MX · Mexican Football Federation · Mexican Senate · Movimiento Ciudadano

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Atlético Morelia goalkeeper Roberto Galán testified that the current closed model favors mediocrity and lacks competitiveness. tribunademexico.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Chivas player Rubén “Oso” González stated that the club supports the return of promotion and relegation. 889noticias.mx · diario.mx · eldiariodechihuahua.mx
[○ 1 SOURCE] Broadcaster Christian Martinoli proposed reducing the number of foreign players to five per squad and four on the field. www.excelsior.com.mx
[● 3 SOURCES] The reform proposes that sporting merit must be the primary criterion for clubs to ascend, descend, or remain in a category. elvalle.com.mx · lajornadasanluis.com.mx · www.merca20.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The legislative process for the reform could be completed by December 2026. vanguardia.com.mx
[● 2 SOURCES] Michoacán Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla expressed support for reinstating promotion to increase competitiveness and regional economic activity. laregionenlinea.com.mx · sistemamichoacano.tv
[● 2 SOURCES] Javier Aquino expressed support for promotion and relegation but noted that the current Expansion League lacks the competitive level of the former Ascenso division. xeudeportes.mx
[● 3 SOURCES] Senator Clemente Castañeda presented an initiative to reform the General Law of Physical Culture and Sport to reinstate promotion and relegation in professional sports. elvalle.com.mx · lajornadasanluis.com.mx · vanguardia.com.mx