Four clubs are still vying for the Liga MX Clausura title, but it's the one club hoping to remain Mexico's first division that's making all the news.
In a bizarre twist, the Gallos Blancos de Queretaro were given a one-week deadline to find new ownership or risk being disaffiliated with the league. The club was seized and is currently being run by the Mexican government after an alleged financial fraud from its former owner, Amado Yanez. Article 66 of the Mexican soccer federation affiliation statutes indicates a club could lose its Liga MX status due to acts of criminal or dubious reputation from ownership, but only an executive committee can decipher what fits into that category.
Queretaro given one week to sell, Atlante maintains Liga MX hopes https://t.co/2IDUWkwnVw
— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) May 6, 2014
Apparently, Yanez's oil services company Oceanografia defrauding Banamex—a Citigroup affiliate—fits into said category.
Should Queretaro fail to find new ownership, recently relegated Atlante have an outside chance of remaining in Mexico's top-flight. Andres Fassi—Pachuca vice-president and member of the Mexican federation's sporting development committee—laid out the details on how it could all unfold (h/t to ESPN Deportes). "If there's disaffiliation, the possibility exists that both clubs [Leones Negros and Estudiantes Tecos] fighting for promotion [in the Asenco MX final] will be promoted," Fassi said.
"Another [possibility] is that Atlante, who were recently relegated, would play a playoff against the loser of the final," he added.
"We have to find alternatives to make the best decision."
Surprisingly enough, this isn't the first time promotion and relegation have been marred by controversy in Liga MX. Just last year, a relegated Queretaro bought out Jaguares de Chiapas, only to see the Chiapas ownership buy San Luis to remain in the first division.
One thing is for certain, Queretaro won't be able to buy their way back into Liga MX this year. This time, they'll have to be bought.
Should Queretaro be disaffiliated if they fail to find new ownership? Tell us @SportsWN
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