Mexico’s Professional Fútbol Under Scrutiny as Antitrust Investigation Launched

The world of Mexican professional fútbol is facing a major shake-up after the National Antitrust Commission (CNA) opened an investigation into possible anti-competitive practices. The inquiry, which has sparked widespread debate among fans and players alike, focuses on the rules governing entry to Mexico’s top division, Liga MX.

The controversy centers around the decision to suspend promotion and relegation indefinitely in 2020, when Liga MX and Ascenso MX were reorganized. Under the current model, teams that perform poorly in the top division are unable to be relegated to a lower division, while successful lower-division clubs cannot earn promotion to Liga MX on sporting merit.

The second tier, now known as Liga de Expansión MX, has been unable to produce teams worthy of promotion to Liga MX. This has led to accusations that the current system is limiting competition and favoring established teams in Liga MX.

The investigation is a major blow to the Mexican football federation, which has been accused of prioritizing the interests of Liga MX teams over those of lower-division clubs. The outcome of the inquiry could have far-reaching consequences for the future of professional fútbol in Mexico.