Unprecedented protest in Mexico: players refuse to play first
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
Mineros and Correcaminos players protested on Saturday in Liga de Expansión MX against the end of the principles of promotion and relegation in Liga MX. During the first minute, they deliberately slowed down the game by not actively playing the ball, a gesture supported by significant digital mobilization and which foreshadows other actions to come.
According to Vi.
Why it matters
Liga MX's decision to scrap promotion and relegation has sparked a wave of discontent among clubs and fans. This fundamental change threatens sporting fairness, as it only favors wealthy clubs able to acquire expensive licenses. The protest by Mineros and Correcaminos players highlights the importance of maintaining opportunities for progression for all teams in Mexican football.
Key points
- Unprecedented protest in Mexico: players refuse to play first.
- Mineros and Correcaminos players protested on Saturday in Liga de Expansión MX against the end of the principles of promotion and relegation in Liga MX.
- Opvallend protest in Mexico: spelers weigeren eerste minuut te voetballen.
In a strong symbolic act of protest, players from Mexican clubs Mineros and Correcaminos decided on Saturday to demonstrate their refusal to eliminate promotion and relegation in the Mexican football championship, Liga MX. At the kick-off of their respective matches, the players of both teams deliberately slowed down the tempo: during the first minute, they played the ball without any offensive intention, contenting themselves with sterile passes without trying to attack or develop the game.
This protest took place against a backdrop of deep discontent within Mexican football, where Liga MX has changed its historical model. Until now, clubs could access the first division or be relegated based on their sporting performances. However, the league decided to abandon this classic system in favor of an accession based on licenses, the estimated cost of which would amount to around 100 million dollars. Thus, only a few very wealthy teams will now be able to join the Liga MX, drastically limiting sporting advancement.
During the match, the Mineros players grouped around the central circle, clearly showing their lack of competitive spirit during this observation period. On Correcaminos' side, the players also marked the occasion by remaining motionless, stretching as if to signal their disagreement with the decision. The game only really returned to normal after 47 seconds.
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This protest action attracted widespread support via social media, with the hashtag #AscensoYDescensoYa (rise and relegation now) quickly going viral in Mexico. Local media believe that this initiative is only the first in a series of actions aimed at putting pressure on Mexican football authorities.
It should be noted that at the legal level, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in favor of the Liga de Expansión clubs hostile to the reform, but this legal victory remains purely symbolic for the moment. Indeed, the Liga MX has broken away from the Mexican football federation and now has the freedom to establish its own admission rules, which complicates the challenge.
The elimination of promotion and relegation therefore marks a major rupture in the Mexican football landscape and crystallizes the tensions between traditional players and an increasingly closed economic model, to the detriment of fundamental sporting principles.
The rest
The players' protest actions could encourage other clubs in the Liga de Expansión MX to join this movement. Discussions around Liga MX reform are likely to continue, with pressure growing to reinstate the promotion and relegation system. Social media will also play a key role in mobilizing supporters and players to make their voices heard.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the match between Mineros and Correcaminos?
The players of both teams decided to protest against the removal of promotion and relegation by playing without offensive intention during the first minute.
Who confirmed the players' protest?
Players from the Mineros and Correcaminos clubs confirmed their protest by slowing down the game at the start of their match.
Why did this protest happen now?
The protest took place due to dissatisfaction with Liga MX's decision to abandon the promotion and relegation system in favor of a license-based model.
What changes were made by the
Liga MX ?
Liga MX has decided to remove the classic system of promotion and relegation, replacing this with access based on expensive licenses.
How did the players express their disagreement?
Mineros players gathered around the central circle while Correcaminos players remained motionless, showing their disagreement with the decision.