Mexico Opens Antitrust Investigation Into Professional Fútbol

Mexico’s professional fútbol is under scrutiny after several red flags emerged. The country’s National Antitrust Commission (CNA) has opened an investigation into possible anti-competitive practices.

The inquiry focuses on how professional competitions are organized—especially the rules governing which clubs can enter and compete in Mexico’s top division, Liga MX. The announcement follows complaints from fans and from members of second-division teams that current practices may be limiting competition.

A central issue is Mexico’s decision to suspend promotion and relegation indefinitely. In most fútbol leagues worldwide, teams that perform poorly in the top division can be relegated to a lower division, while successful lower-division clubs can earn promotion. Mexico has not operated that system since 2020, when Liga MX and the former Ascenso MX were reorganized.

The second tier became Liga de Expansión MX, but its clubs have been unable to earn promotion to Liga MX on sporting merit. Under the current model, reaching the top division instead depends on meeting requirements set by the league and its owners. The result is effectively a closed system in which existing Liga MX franchises occupy the country’s highest level of professional fútbol.

The CNA is examining whether these rules create barriers for clubs and investors seeking access to the professional game. The investigation also renews attention on “multipropiedad,” a controversial arrangement in which the same ownership group controls more than one club. The practice has long been debated in Mexican fútbol, particularly because of concerns about whether clubs competing in the same league can truly operate independently.

The investigation centers on Liga MX, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), club owners, and other parties. The CNA will gather evidence and determine whether the practices under review violate Mexico’s competition laws.

Last year, many second-division clubs appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and another appeal was lodged this August, ESPN reported.

The FMF suspended promotion and relegation in 2019 after the owners of 18 first-division teams voted for the measure, with an agreement to restore it by 2026. However, no plans have been made to reinstate it, even after a CAS ruling cleared the way for a return of pro/rel.

For its part, the FMF says second-division teams are always eligible for promotion, but the strict criteria are difficult to meet—even for Liga MX clubs.

In a statement posted by ESPN, the CNA said, “After analyzing events over the past few months, the Investigative Authority determined there is sufficient evidence to formally launch an ex officio investigation into possible monopolistic practices within the Mexican professional soccer market.”

The investigation could have significant consequences. If authorities ultimately find anti-competitive behavior, those responsible could face substantial financial penalties and potentially be required to change the rules governing access to Mexican professional fútbol.

In a sport where Liga MX represents the country’s biggest clubs, audiences, and commercial opportunities, the investigation could prove an important turning point.