Liga MX fine Atlas: what was the punishment for the pitch?

Liga MX side Atlas have been punished for their poor pitch condition which led to their league game against Club América to be moved.

The Apertura 2023 season has hardly begun yet already the competition is ankle-deep in controversy.

Altas were unable to play their home game against Club América at the Estadio Jalisco ground as was expected due to the poor state of the pitch. As a result, the game was moved to their opponent’s stadium: Estadio Azteca. The same situation also happened for Atlas Femenil, who were due to use the pitch for their home game that was eventually reversed.

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What fine did the FMF give to Atlas for the poor pitch?

Now, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) have punished the club side with a fine for the poor state of the pitch ahead of the clash. As well as the fine, the club were also issued a warning that the punishment would be a lot more severe if the conditions of the playing surface did not improve. The state of the pitch is said to be due to a concert that was held at the ground on 11 August in which over 30,000 people attended, as well as heavy rain that has not helped the pre-game procedures.

The amount of money to club has to pay is unknown.

The brief statement on the matter read: “The Disciplinary Commission informs that it has decided to sanction Club Atlas for breaking the rules, specifically, article 51 A), and Liga MX’s article 88. Finally, Club Atlas have been warned that if the situation reoccurs, the commission will impose more severe sanctions against the club.”

When do Atlas play their next home game?

Fortunately for Atlas, who are now in something of a race against time to get their playing surface fit for purpose, they play their next Liga MX game away from home, against Querétaro in match day 5 of the Apertura 2023. It will not be until Saturday 26 August when they play at the Estadio Jalisco, against the Red Devils of Toluca.