Expansion MX at a Crossroads: Key Assembly to Decide Promotion, Sanctions, and Team Relocations

The Liga de Expansión MX faces one of its most defining days this Thursday, June 19. As reported by El Sol de Sinaloa, club executives will gather for a tense assembly that could reshape Mexico’s second division, amid internal disputes and institutional friction.

At the heart of the agenda is the ongoing legal battle between six clubs and the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), after the former filed a complaint with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) demanding the return of promotion and relegation with Liga MX. In response, the FMF has initiated disciplinary action against Leones Negros president Alberto Castellanos and Cancún FC's Giovanni Solazzi, citing ethical violations linked to public statements made on June 10.

Beyond that, the Federation has also cut off financial subsidies to the teams involved, as allowed by a regulation prohibiting support for clubs that file legal action against the FMF—further fueling accusations of retaliation.

On the restructuring front, a key vote will determine whether Celaya relocates to Veracruz, in a plan backed by the Achar family and promoter Ronald Baroni. However, resistance among fellow owners casts doubt on the move, with the dramatic possibility that Celaya could be removed from the league entirely.

Meanwhile, Irapuato’s continuity under Healthy People remains in question, as reports suggest Alebrijes de Oaxaca may be ready to take over the franchise and relocate it to the Sergio León Chávez Stadium.

The assembly will also weigh the admission of two Liga Premier clubs: champions Aguacateros de Peribán, despite logistical shortcomings, and Racing de Veracruz, which boasts stronger infrastructure and local support.

This pivotal meeting will not only test the league’s governance but also define what development path Mexican football’s second tier will prioritize—sporting merit or administrative convenience.