Back to excitement! Liga MX reactivates promotion and relegation
Sources close to the matter confirm that Liga MX is ready to reinstate the promotion and relegation system. The final decision on the format and the exact date of the return will be announced soon by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The suspension of this system, which was implemented in 2019 for six seasons, kept the first division with 18 teams. The return is expected to occur sometime in 2026, under new requirements that could allow teams from the second division to compete again in the Liga MX. The process to achieve this change began with a request from ten clubs in the Expansion League, who sought the reinstatement of promotion and relegation, presenting a case before the CAS.The case, presented in 2024, has followed the process established by the CAS.The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) registered the appeal filed by 10 clubs from the Mexican second division (“the Clubs”) against the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) on May 19, 2025. The appeal seeks to reinstate promotion and relegation in Liga MX, the first division of Mexico, which were suspended for six seasons during the 2019/2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
CAS Statement
The CAS is expected to announce soon the decision on the format and requirements for a Liga de Expansión team to qualify for promotion. Previously, the league required second division teams to have a special certification to be promoted to Liga MX if they won the tournament. To obtain this certification, the teams had to demonstrate financial stability, have a suitable stadium to host matches, present a business report prepared by an external consultant, and establish an economic fund for improvements. It is still unknown how the promotion requirements will change following the CAS decision. The court will also have to confirm whether promotion and relegation will return for the 2025-2026 season or the 2026-27 campaign. In addition, Liga MX executives will continue to analyze the possibility of increasing the first division from 18 to 20 teams, which would give more clubs the opportunity to be promoted.The parties are exchanging written arguments in accordance with the arbitration rules governing CAS appeal proceedings. Following this process and with the agreement of the parties, a CAS hearing will be scheduled.
Press release
