CAS Denies Return of Promotion and Relegation in Liga MX

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced its final decision on Thursday, rejecting an appeal from several Liga de Expansión MX clubs that sought the immediate reinstatement of promotion and relegation in Mexican soccer. The CAS, located in Lausanne, supported the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), maintaining that the suspension will continue until the end of the 2025/2026 season, as originally decided in April 2020.

The legal matter began on May 19, 2025, when ten clubs filed the appeal. Four clubs later withdrew—Atlante, Cimarrones de Sonora, Alebrijes de Oaxaca, and Jaiba Brava—leaving six clubs to see the case through: La Paz, Morelia, Cancún FC, Mineros de Zacatecas, Venados, and Leones Negros de UdeG.

CAC stated that after a hearing in Mexico City on August 28, it confirmed that the FMF acted in accordance with existing agreements and properly informed the clubs about extending the suspension. Consequently, the appeal was completely dismissed.

This decision confirms that promotion and relegation will not return until the 2026/2027 season. The issue has also gained attention in Mexico’s political sphere, with lawmakers planning to bring the debate to Congress.

For the Liga de Expansión clubs, this ruling is a significant setback. The CAS decision closes off their last legal option and requires them to wait for the suspension to end at the conclusion of the 2025/2026 season.