# Mexican football promotion protest amid Leagues Cup > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mexican-football-promotion-protest > Updated: 2026-08-03T02:01:00.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 3. The minute‑long on‑field protests that began in late July 2026 have continued into August as clubs in the Liga de Expansión MX maintain pressure on the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) to restore promotion and relegation. After the FMF confirmed that the ascenso‑descenso system would be permanently suspended for the 2026‑27 Apertura, players from a dozen second‑tier clubs—including Mineros de Zacatecas, Atlético Morelia, Leones Negros, Atlético La Paz, Cancún and Venados—have staged symbolic actions such as covering their mouths and refusing to play the first minute. The FMF’s disciplinary commission has warned that repeat offenses could trigger fines exceeding US $11,500. The 2026 Leagues Cup began on 4 August, featuring Mexican sides like Pumas, León and Toluca against MLS opponents. To accommodate the tournament, Liga MX paused the Apertura for eleven days, with domestic play resuming on 15 August. The pause has not dampened the protests; club president Alberto Castellanos defended the right to demonstrate, while players warned that the closed‑league format is causing salary cuts, lower attendance and reduced sponsorships. A player summed up the demand: “No pedimos un lugar en Primera División. Pedimos el derecho a ganarlo.” The FMF has opened a disciplinary investigation and reiterated the possibility of further sanctions. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-03: Mexican football faces Leagues Cup schedule and protests over removal of promotion system Leagues Cup 2026 begins with Mexican clubs and a broadcast schedule, while FMF’s removal of promotion sparks protests across Liga de Expansión teams demanding the ascenso system’s return. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexican-clubs-protest-end-of-promotion-as-liga-mx-pauses-for-leagues-cup ### 2026-08-01: Mineros de Zacatecas lead Liga Expansión MX clubs in silent protest over suspended promotion Mineros de Zacatecas and other Liga Expansión MX clubs staged silent protests over the FMF's continued suspension of promotion, risking sanctions but still playing and winning their match. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mineros-de-zacatecas-lead-liga-expansin-mx-clubs-in-silent-protest-over-suspended-promotion ### 2026-07-30: Mexican Football Federation fines clubs over promotion protest FMF fined Liga de Expansión clubs 2,000 UMAs after minute‑long protests against the abolition of promotion/relegation for the 2026‑27 season. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexican-football-federation-fines-clubs-over-promotion-protest --- Cite as: Mexican football promotion protest amid Leagues Cup. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mexican-football-promotion-protest