Introduction of Reforms in Liga MX
Liga MX and the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) have presented “Evolución 2030,” a series of reforms designed to enhance Mexican football. Mikel Arriola, president of Liga MX, detailed these initiatives aimed at elevating the level of competition and developing local talent.
Filters for Hiring Foreign Players
Liga MX will introduce new filters for hiring foreign players, inspired by successful models like the Premier League. The requirements include:
- Performance in Previous League: Players must have performed well in their previous league in the past year.
- National Team Participation: Players must be part of their national team, either at the senior or junior level.
- Participation in International Tournaments: Players must have competed in continental competitions.
These parameters will take effect in Apertura 2025, aiming to improve the quality of foreign players and their impact on the development of Mexican footballers.
Return of the Under-23 Rule
Promotion of Young Talent
One of the most notable measures is the return of the Under-23 Rule for Apertura 2024. This rule mandates that teams give playing time to players under the age of 23. Mikel Arriola emphasized that this initiative is crucial for ensuring the continuity and development of young talent.
Development of Coaches and National Talent
Juan Carlos Rodríguez, FMF Commissioner President, announced several additional strategies:
- Coaching Courses: These will be updated with UEFA content to improve training methodologies.
- Talent Scouting: Increased scouting of dual-nationality players will be implemented.
- European Tours: Youth teams will tour Europe to facilitate their recruitment by international teams.
Expected Impact and Long-Term Commitment
Rodríguez highlighted the need for commitment and patience, emphasizing that the results of these reforms will be seen in the long term, with a vision set for 2030 and 2031.
Evaluation and Monitoring
Continuity and Performance
Liga MX has debuted 202 young players in the last three years, but the lack of continuity has been an issue. Only four out of ten continue playing after their debut, demonstrating the need for these new measures.
The reforms presented by Liga MX and FMF represent a significant effort to improve Mexican football. With the implementation of the Under-23 Rule, filters for hiring foreign players, and the modernization of coaching education, a positive impact on the quality and competitiveness of national football is expected.
These measures aim not only to enhance the spectacle of the league but also to ensure better training and opportunities for Mexican footballers, aligning with international best practices.
