Five Second Division Clubs Appeal to CAS Over Promotion and Relegation Rules

Five clubs from Mexico’s second division have lodged an appeal against the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and Liga MX concerning promotion and relegation procedures. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed the appeal on Friday. The clubs involved are Club Universidad de Guadalajara, Club Atlético La Paz, Club Atlético Morelia, Cancún FC, and Club Deportivo de Zacatecas.

The recent appeal follows a CAS ruling in September that allowed for the anticipated return of promotion and relegation in the 2026-27 season. This system was initially paused in 2020 due to the uncertainties surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. The lack of a pro/rel framework prompted ten second-tier teams to sue Liga MX, which culminated in last year’s CAS decision.

Casualties from the ruling have arisen as Liga MX established regulations indicating that clubs in Liga MX would not face relegation to the second division, nor would Expansion MX clubs be eligible for promotion to Liga MX. This restriction has fueled the latest appeal from the five second-division clubs.

Despite the suspension of promotion and relegation in 2020, clubs from the second division could still pursue certification for promotion eligibility, evaluating aspects such as stadiums, finances, and overall club structures. However, the promotion process required at least four certified teams, a condition that has yet to be met.

The timeline for CAS to reach a decision regarding this appeal remains uncertain.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn