A Mexican Senate initiative to reinstate promotion and relegation in Liga MX threatens to trigger FIFA sanctions against the Mexican Football Federation, a scenario that would directly impact Club Necaxa in their fight to climb from 15th place in the table. The Rayos have 8 points from 9 games and face leaders Club America next, in a key match to reverse a five-game winless run.

Senator Clemente Castañeda proposed amending the General Law of Physical Culture and Sport to make promotion and relegation between Liga MX and the Expansion League mandatory. The initiative, debated in the Senate, aims to embed sporting merit as a fundamental principle. "Thanks to the senators from different parliamentary groups who joined our initiative to vindicate sporting justice," Castañeda said. "With their support, we seek to incorporate sporting merit as a fundamental principle of Mexican football and establish mandatory #PromotionAndRelegation mechanisms, with clear rules and a #LevelPlayingField for clubs and athletes".

The risk of a FIFA sanction

This legislative move could be seen by FIFA as external interference in the FMF's affairs, violating its autonomy statutes. If confirmed, the federation could face suspension, which would exclude Mexican teams, including Necaxa, from all international competitions. The FMF is the FIFA member, not the league, so any punishment would fall on the federation as a whole. Meanwhile, the Court of Arbitration for Sport is reviewing a case for the immediate return of the promotion system, with a potential verdict in November.

For Necaxa, the current sporting context adds urgency to this institutional debate. The team is coming off a 3-1 loss to Atlético San Luis, with a goal from top scorer Julián Carranza, who has 5 this season. Their recent form is concerning: two draws and three defeats in their last five matches.

The next challenge is at home against powerful Club America, third in the standings, on September 28. A positive result is vital for Necaxa, who have conceded 16 goals and scored only 10, with a -6 goal difference. The regulatory uncertainty generated by the Senate adds to the immediate sporting pressure on the club. The final resolution of this conflict between the legislature and football autonomy will define the future of the championship Necaxa competes in.

First reported at Eje Central