Piratas FC emerges as candidate for Liga MX expansion in Veracruz

Piratas FC, a club competing in the Liga de Expansión MX, is gaining momentum in Veracruz as discussions regarding the restructuring of Mexican professional football intensify. Managed by brothers José Carlos and René Vives, the club has seen high attendance at the Luis “Pirata” Fuente stadium, which holds 27,500 spectators and meets the infrastructure standards required by the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF).

Speculation exists regarding the potential expansion of Liga MX to 20 teams by early 2027, positioning Piratas FC as a candidate for top-flight inclusion. Alberto Castellanos, president of Leones Negros de la UDG, has publicly urged the Piratas FC leadership to join the movement for the reinstatement of the promotion and relegation system in Mexico. Castellanos noted that Veracruz possesses the necessary stadium infrastructure and passionate fanbase to compete for a return to the first division, despite perceived pressures from the FMF regarding the current league structure.