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Matchday 8 Notes: Cruz Azul up, Chivas down

By Thomas Buckley

Jonathan Rodríguez leaps into the air after scoring Cruz Azul's first goal against Morelia. The Cementeros defeated the Monarcas 4-2 in their Matchday 8 contest. (Photo by Jaime Lopez/Jam Media/Getty Images)
Jonathan Rodríguez leaps into the air after scoring Cruz Azul's first goal against Morelia. The Cementeros defeated the Monarcas 4-2 in their Matchday 8 contest. (Photo by Jaime Lopez/Jam Media/Getty Images) /
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Cruz Azul up
Mexican Soccer Federation president Yon de Luisa (left) and Liga MX president Enrique Bonilla talk to reporters about the state of Mexican soccer. (Photo by Angel Castillo/UJam Media/Getty Images) /

League officials want to grow the pie, spread the wealth

While many Liga MX fans fret over the loss of talent to MLS teams, league officials are looking to copy their North American rivals in a variety of ways.

The Liga MX Board of Directors lately has focused considerable attention on fiscal concerns, such as TV contracts, franchise liquidity, and player contracts. They now seem likely to borrow several policies embraced by the MLS.

As Ascenso MX owners drowned in red ink the past few years, several franchises closed (there are now only 14 teams in Mexico’s second division). One likely solution is to adopt the no-relegation (ergo, no-promotion) format used by MLS.

First division clubs would not have to fear the financial squeeze of demotion and second division clubs would be spared the often-burdensome expense required to be competitive in Liga MX after winning promotion.

The league is expected to consider the “no-relegation format” at its Board of Directors meeting in March.

Another topic of discussion is the inequality – and exclusivity – in TV deals. Several big clubs have distinctly favorable broadcast contracts, while one network has come under fire for its restrictive policies and bullying approach to league matters.

Another concern is that teams have signed with cable networks that don’t have the nationwide penetration that public networks (Televisa and TV Azteca) enjoy. They earn big bucks, but being on cable prevents a large segment of the population from seeing them play.

Next. LAFC gives MLS bragging rights. dark

Liga MX president Enrique Bonilla has floated the idea of league control over primary TV rights in order to implement revenue sharing and to gain some leverage in future negotiations with networks clamoring to televise Liga MX games in Mexico and the United States.

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