The long awaited announcement regarding Liga MX plans moving forward after the big fiasco by Mexico’s National Team in the 2022 Qatar World Cup was held earlier today at the FMF premises, and as of today just a few of this changes will take effect, but big announcements (promises) were made, so let’s take a look at the main points discussed in the conference held by president Mikel Arriola (Liga MX) and Yon de Luisa (FMF).
No More Wildcard Qualifying
A very important topic, since the last couple years the ‘Wildcard’ qualifying was implemented in the tournament, which meant an awful lot of mediocre teams could make it to the playoffs. In this ridiculous format 12 teams (out of 18) qualified to the playoffs; Top 4 teams made it to the quarterfinals automatically, and clubs placed 5-12 had a ‘play-in’ match to make it to the quarterfinals.
This most needed change will raise the standard and competition level of Liga MX, and will be implemented effective immediately after the current season.
Reduction Of Foreign Players
As of today Liga MX Club can have a spot for up to EIGHT foreign players in their rosters, and today Mikel Arriola announced that the total will be reduced to SEVEN players per club.
This measure directly involves the urgent need for clubs to stop bringing in mediocre talent from abroad, and instead focus on Mexican youth, which gives the National Team more opportunities to grow and develop.
Bring Back Promotion And Relegation
It’s been a few years since Liga MX disappeared the promotion/relegation format from its competition, which was a mayor mistake in Mexican Football structure, since not only did it shattered every second-tier teams dreams of making it back to Mexico’s top flight, but current First Division teams stopped worrying so much about being average since they could not be relegated.
This measure is a very important one to bring back competitiveness and structure to every Liga MX club, as well as give opportunities to young players in second-tier clubs to shine and live out the dream of promotion.
Promotion/Relegation is TBA as to when, and how are the changes taking effect.
Eliminate Multi-Property
Another long-time disease on Liga MX structure has been that some club owners control more than one team at a time, which goes against sportsmanship, and poses severe conflicts of interest at any point of the season.
This change is projected to take effect in 2026, and club owners have been notified so they can make future arrangements for their teams. Another interesting point mentioned in the press conference was that Mikel Arriola openly expressed the invitation for foreign owners to invest in Liga MX, which could bring in mayor benefits to the whole competition.
New Champion – Most Points In The Season
A weird decision, but a good step forward in eliminating the ‘play-off’ format in Liga MX. The FMF president Mikel Arriola announced on the press conference that beside the two champions in a season (Apertura and Clausura), a third champion will be recognized at the end of a full years season, which will be the club that scores the most points. Which means, points from Apertura and Clausura will be summed up to a grand total, and the team who finished on top will be champion.
Date for implementation of the rule TBA.
Export Talent
A very ambiguous, and obvious topic in the press conference was about the implementation of new measures to export talent abroad, which at the moment is just stating the obvious, but lacks a real plan to do it. FMF will at least have a talk with club owners to take this into account and allow young players to make the leap to Europe. Which is easier said than done.
What Now?
The press conference ended with more questions than answers, but at least is seems that directors pay attention to the obvious and will try to make some changes for the best of Liga MX, Mexico’s National Team, and its players.
One pending topic that has not been resolved is who is going to take charge of the National Team, so expect plenty of news on that front in the coming days.
