Mikel Arriola rules out return to promotion and relegation in the Liga MX

Mikel Arriola, executive president of the Liga MX, declared on Wednesday that “the same rules” will be maintained regarding the current format of the Mexican soccer league and ruled out any possibility of promotion and relegation returning to the competition - at least for the foreseeable future. Within the framework of the contract renewal event with the competition’s main sponsor BBVA, which has been extended for a period of three more years, the president explained that a “predictable environment” must be created for the league’s investors.

Relegation format on hold

There has been no relegation for the bottom placed sides to drop to the second tier Ascenso MX since 2020. A measure which is likely to remain in place until 2026. However there has been an ongoing debate within the governing body to overthrow this measure and reintroduce promotion-relegation as an incentive to the second tier clubs. At present, poorly performing Liga MX teams are currently fined as a result of finishing in the bottom three with Mazatlan hit with a fine of approximately $2 million for their wretched performance in the 2023 Clausura season.

When asked by ESPN reporter Leon Lecanda to elaborate on the decision, Arriola said that the disparity in the value of the Liga MX and the Liga Expansión remains very wide, and for that reason he continues to “work very hard so that the sources of income for the Expansión teams improve”.

Expanding the top division

In turn, Paco Arredondo from TUDN questioned the league president about a possible increase in teams in the Liga MX top flight, to which he responded, “That will be dealt with in due course but as of today it is not being considered”.