Liga MX Format Blamed for National Team Struggles, Calls for Radical Change Grow
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A revamped Liga MX structure is urgently needed to elevate the performance of the mexican National Team, according to prominent sports commentator Jorge Ramos. Speaking on Faitelson Uncensored, Ramos argued the current league format undermines the development of talent and diminishes the prestige of championship titles.
The debate surrounding the Liga MX’s structure comes ahead of the Apertura 2025 Play-In, with clubs like América, Cruz Azul, and Chivas preparing for the quarterfinals.
Shortened Seasons Dilute Championship Value
Ramos sharply criticized the league’s two-tournament format – the Apertura and Clausura – calling them “little championships.” He contrasted the current 17-matchday seasons with the previous standard of 38 days plus a Liguilla (playoff) round. “Today they celebrate championships when before they had to run 38 days plus a Liguilla,” Ramos stated. “Today they celebrate 17-day championships. I can’t believe it, and they say they are champions!”
This shortened schedule, Ramos contends, devalues the championship and fails to adequately test teams over a sustained period. The current system prioritizes quick results over consistent performance, hindering long-term development.
Lack of Patience Hurts Young Players
Beyond the shortened seasons, Ramos expressed concern over the lack of patience shown towards young players. He lamented that the current system doesn’t provide sufficient opportunities for emerging talent to mature and contribute meaningfully to both their clubs and the national team. “To the young people, there is no patience with them, and this is a shame, this Play-In thing,” he said.
A Proposal for a True Champion
Ramos proposed a solution centered around recognizing consistent performance throughout the entire season. He advocated for awarding the team with the most points accumulated across both the Apertura and Clausura seasons the opportunity to compete for the title of “grand champion of the year.”
“It’s bread and circuses, let’s start there,” Ramos remarked, criticizing the current emphasis on spectacle over substance.”But there is something that could be done, which is to give the best team that does things best throughout the two regular seasons… the benefit to play for the grand champion of the year.”
His vision involves a direct matchup between the Apertura champion and the Clausura champion,with the winner than facing the team that topped the annual league table.A two-leg format would determine the ultimate champion, ensuring a fair and decisive contest. “If the one who wins the match is the one from the annual table, he is the champion, but a real champion in Mexico and not this nonsense that we have been experiencing for years,” Ramos concluded.
The current Liguilla system, Ramos argued, is inherently flawed, frequently enough rewarding teams that peak at the right time rather than those who demonstrate consistent excellence.”With this Liguilla system we already know that it is
