Expansion League clubs ask CAS to restore promotion

▲ Executives of teams like the Leones Negros de la UdeG (in black and yellow) complain about the uncertainty surrounding the issue, which prevents them from putting together a project with the goal of reaching the First Division. Photo @ligamxexpansion

Alberto Aceves

La Jornada Newspaper, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, p. a11

Among the Expansion League clubs, the discussion over the promotion and relegation that authorities from the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and Liga MX pledged to reinstate within six years as part of an economic stabilization plan has led to a complaint before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) demanding the return of the old competition system for the 2025-2026 season, Mineros de Zacatecas technical director Mario García told La Jornada . There is unity and consensus to pursue a sporting path. The deadline they gave has been met. Now we hope they give us the freedom to compete to reach the First Division; that's where the funnel we need to open lies .

According to the American newspaper The New York Times , the judicial file presented on Monday before the CAS by legal representatives of institutions such as Atlante, Atlético La Paz, Cancún FC, Club Atlético Morelia, Cimarrones de Sonora, Oaxaca, Mineros de Zacatecas, Venados, Leones Negros and Jaiba Brava highlights the urgency of businessmen and directors to obtain a response to plan investments, infrastructure, acquisition of players and negotiate the broadcast rights of the matches. The FMF considers that the six-year hiatus began in the 2020-21 season and not the previous year, as had been approved by the general assembly of the organization , the publication says.

As part of its 2023 reforms, the federation intended to integrate the U-20 category into the Second Division rosters, thus paving the way for an U-23 competition that would begin in December of that year. By not establishing the foundations for a competition system, the plan was scrapped by team owners. This year, the situation is no different. Neither players nor directors have heard of a possible opening to the Liga MX. "The same topic was brought up again at the last meeting we attended ," says Correcaminos president Javier Garibaldi. " But there is no sign of a possibility of promotion to the First Division anytime soon. They are considering it for after the 2026 World Cup .

Stabilization plan

The economic stabilization plan, presented by the League in 2020, not only established the rescue of clubs in financial trouble, such as Veracruz, which defaulted on its players' salaries and was disaffiliated earlier that year; it also eliminated promotion and relegation and the youth system in favor of a development tournament. Not all owners were in favor. The most experienced players agreed that the measure would deprive them of jobs and restrict the principle of competitiveness for the agreed six seasons. Since then, the FMF has set a series of requirements for the Expansion franchises for a future return to the first division.

Atlante and Leones Negros began the certification process from scratch and accredited their documents last year. According to the criteria agreed upon at the owners' meeting, if there are four certified teams and one of them wins the Campeón de Campeones, they can advance to the top league. Owners must complete affiliation procedures, financial control, infrastructure, a business plan report from an external consultant, use of resources from the Improvement Fund, and institutional structure. "This league is worth it, even if it's punished and minimized ," responds García, a multi-champion with Atlante in this category.

There are dreams that soccer can fulfill, and today we've taken them away from children and young people in different parts of the country. It's becoming difficult for everyone because it's frustrating to work on projects and not even have the recognition or the opportunity to compete at the top level. Many talk about a possible four-time championship for América, but half the clubs in the league aren't competing; it's the three-time champion of a mediocre league. Why not see those great teams play at the UdeG stadium, in the highlands of Zacatecas, or in a place as hot as Jaiba Brava? Why play first- and second-class soccer?

Regarding the sporting implications that the Expansion clubs are claiming before the CAS, the federation clarifies that it has not been notified of any proceedings against it by the Court , but, should that occur, we will present our position to the appropriate authorities . Unlike what happens in the First Division, players who play in the Second Division or the Premier League—the third professional tier—are not attractive to major investors. The franchises do not sign lucrative broadcast rights contracts, nor do they accrue profits from sponsorships.

▲ The Mexican said that due to the conditions, he decided to be cautious and avoid any falls. Photo AFP

Ap

La Jornada Newspaper, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, p. a12

Pisa. Under heavy rain that complicated his race, Mexican Isaac del Toro retained the Giro d'Italia leader's pink jersey at the end of the tenth stage, an individual time trial won by Daan Hoole, who was fortunate enough to compete on a dry road before the clouds cleared.

Del Toro managed to stay in pink, but saw his lead reduced by Spaniard Juan Ayuso, his UAE Team Emirates XRG teammate, who appeared unaffected by the increasingly wet roads.

Ayuso reduced the gap by almost a minute, closing to within 25 seconds of Del Toro, the first Mexican rider to lead the Giro . Italian Antonio Tiberi remained third, cutting the gap to 61 seconds.

I knew it would be super tough, but I tried to finish another day in pink, and it was good. With the wet road, it was a bit scary in the corners , said the 21-year-old del Toro, whose strategy was to maintain the lead without endangering himself in the difficult conditions of the wet road caused by the deluge.

"I knew I had a lot of time on my side and didn't want to take any risks. Afterwards, I was struggling to stay straight on the bike, but it was fun and I'm super happy. Ayuso (his teammate) being second overall is very good for the team; we'll see what happens in the coming days ," he added.

Hoole took full advantage of an early start on dry roads to complete the 28.6-kilometer course from Lucca to Pisa in 32 minutes and 30 seconds. It was the Dutchman's first Grand Tour victory.

Hoole, 26, was seven seconds faster than Joshua Tarling, who won the opening individual time trial on the second stage of the Giro . His group all rode in dry conditions, but rain began to fall as the general classification favorites started to leave.

I felt good all week and was aiming for this day, but I never thought I'd make it. The general classification had rain, and that changed the race a lot , Hoole said.

Favorite Primoz Roglic recovered from another crash during his morning reconnaissance run to overtake several of his rivals and move into fifth place in the overall standings, 1:18 behind Del Toro. Simon Yates also made up ground to move into fourth place.

Roglic lost significant time after a crash in the gravel on Sunday's stage before Monday's rest day, and started the time trial in 10th place overall, 2:25 behind Del Toro.

Wednesday's eleventh stage will cover 186 kilometers of mid-mountain terrain, starting at the coast in Viareggio before heading inland and traversing three high-category climbs to Castelnovo ne' Monti. Del Toro has the strength and is considered an all-rounder who can challenge in Wednesday's race.

▲ Mario Mitrani, general director of the tour in Mexico; Mireya Sosa, the state's Secretary of Tourism; and Julian Levin, from the sponsoring brand, yesterday during the tour's presentation. Photo: Sectur Sinaloa

Adriana Díaz Reyes

La Jornada Newspaper, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, p. a12

Mexican cyclist Isaac del Toro's success in the Giro d'Italia should be used to promote cycling throughout the country and demonstrate that there is no shortage of talent.

We're all proud to have such a brilliant athlete as Isaac. His historic achievements are a great inspiration for new generations to realize that we can become the best in the world , shared Mario Mitrani, general director of the Mexico by Tour de France stage in Sinaloa.

During the presentation of the cycling race, which will take place on November 9th of this year, Mitrani commented that those who register for the competition will be able to experience a taste of the demands Del Toro faces as a professional. There will be three distances: 40, 70, and 120 kilometers; in the latter, the competitive level will be very high and inspiring for all those who dream of becoming professionals like Del Toro.

Obtaining Tour de France approval for the route took months. State, tourism, and sports authorities worked to meet the requirements for acceptance.

The Mexico by Tour de France Sinaloa stage will be held in Mazatlán, and more than 1,200 cyclists and their companions are expected to participate. The route will be announced in the coming days, and registration will open on Friday.

In total, we expect more than 4,000 attendees. We've been organizing the logistics for over four months to make the tour a success. In the coming months, people from France will be coming to endorse the route and make everything official.

Mitrani invited other states to promote sports by organizing national or international competitions. It would be great if more competitions like this were held in Mexico. We seek to build a healthier society, promoting sports, healthy eating, and physical activity .

Mireya Sosa Osuna, the state's tourism secretary, highlighted the importance of having the French tour's endorsement.

This isn't just another race; it's a brand with more than 100 years of history that represents excellence, discipline, and passion for sports. This year, it will come to Mazatlán to tour our streets, show off our sights, and showcase everything Sinaloa has to offer to the world , he emphasized.

▲ 26-year-old Canadian star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points for the Thunder. Game 2 of this round will be played tomorrow at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. AP Photo

AFP

La Jornada Newspaper, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, p. a34

New York. The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-88 yesterday in Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference Finals, led by star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 31 points.

The 26-year-old Canadian added his fifth postseason game with at least 30 points – he finished with 31 – along with nine assists, five rebounds, and three steals.

The Timberwolves got off to an encouraging start thanks to a first half in which forward Julius Randle scored 20 of his 28 points. However, the Minnesota team was unable to maintain their pace, and in the third quarter, the Thunder responded with their best version, winning 32-18 and taking a lead that would reach 26 points.

Anthony Edwards, who got into a personal fight with Gilgeous-Alexander, received a technical foul in the first half for throwing the ball at the Thunder player while he was on the ground.

Edwards' 18 points were far below expectations for the Wolves' star player. He shot 39 percent and connected on just 5 of his 13 attempts.

Outside of Randle and Edwards, no other Minnesota player scored more than 10 points individually.

The Timberwolves turned to three-pointers to make the difference and failed, making just 15 of their 50 attempts.

Game 2 will be played tomorrow at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder averaged 125.7 points per game during the regular season.