LigaPro President Defends Ecuadorian Format, Rejects Argentine League Model

LigaPro president Miguel Ángel Loor has reignited debate around the structure of Ecuadorian football, using social media to push back against both the Argentine system and calls to drastically reduce the number of clubs. “I disagree with having 30 teams—it’s impractical. Some here want to reduce it to 12, 10, or 8, and it’s almost like having one team play alone,” he wrote on X.

As reported by Olé, Loor’s comments were a direct response to recent statements by AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, who defended Argentina’s 30-team league format. Instead, Loor proposed a “strong top division” of 18 to 20 clubs, with lower leagues (B, C, D) structured with fixed budgets, guaranteed income, and salary caps—drawing inspiration from Major League Soccer.

He also outlined a broader vision for reform in Ecuadorian football: improving youth development, strengthening the women’s league, and creating a national training institute for coaches. “Ecuador is a country full of talent, but without serious planning, there’s no growth,” Loor emphasized.

With these remarks, Loor continues to advocate for a balanced, professionalized domestic league—neither bloated nor bare—positioning LigaPro as a modern and sustainable model for South American football.