The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) is facing a new scandal related to illegal betting in the Liga de Expansión MX and Liga Premier. While the Alebrijes de Oaxaca case remains unresolved, the FMF acted swiftly by sanctioning seven players from Correcaminos de la UAT and Real Apodaca, imposing exemplary punishments ⚖️.
🕵️♂️ HOW WAS THE SCANDAL DISCOVERED?
The case came to light thanks to a European online casino 🎰, which detected irregular betting patterns linked to matches involving Correcaminos and Real Apodaca. Noticing these anomalies, the casino alerted the authorities, prompting the FMF to launch an internal investigation.
As a result, the Disciplinary Commission announced the suspension of seven players, totaling 57 years of sanctions⏳. Without revealing names, the following punishments were specified:
- Two players (one from Correcaminos and one from Real Apodaca) were suspended for 16 years.
- Three players from Real Apodaca received 7-year bans.
- Two players from the same club were sanctioned with 2-year suspensions.
The sanctions were based on Appendix IV of the FMF Sanctions Regulations and Articles 27 and 30 of FIFA’s Code of Ethics. However, the speedy resolution of this case contrasts with the lack of progress in the Alebrijes de Oaxaca investigation.
❓ THE ALEBRIJES CASE: A SUSPICIOUS SILENCE
Unlike the cases of Correcaminos and Real Apodaca, the complaint against Alebrijes de Oaxaca, filed by former head coach Carlos Gutiérrez, remains unresolved after more than three months. Gutiérrez warned of alleged match-fixingand the possible involvement of players in illegal betting, yet the FMF has not issued any official statement 🏴.
Suspicions grew when, after a 10-match winless streak, Alebrijes unexpectedly defeated Atlante, the strongest team in the tournament. Additionally, the club’s current head coach, Arturo Alvarado, has been accused of allegedly charging players to be in the starting lineup and favoring certain footballers for commercial rather than sporting reasons 🏆💰.
⚖️ IMPLICATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES
The European casino that detected the suspicious bets has already initiated legal action with Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) and will file additional complaints with FIFA. The sanctioned players could face not only the end of their football careers but also legal consequences 🚨.
The scandal also affects the credibility of Mexican football, which could have a negative impact on sponsorship investments 💸. Companies like BBVA, Voit, and Tecate have requested reports on the situation, and some brands may reconsider their sponsorship contracts if decisive action is not taken.
🤨 JUSTICE OR COVER-UP?
The FMF’s handling of the case has sparked a debate in the football world. The quick punishment of Correcaminos and Real Apodaca players contrasts with the secrecy surrounding the Alebrijes de Oaxaca investigation, raising suspicions of selective justice.
Former footballer and analyst Javier Lozano commented:
“It’s clear that the FMF acts harshly when it suits them, but when certain teams have connections, they choose to ignore the problem. This isn’t transparency, it’s a cover-up.” ❌
Meanwhile, former referee Francisco Chacón criticized the lack of a clear protocol:
“The problem isn’t just match-fixing; it’s the distrust this creates among fans. If this continues, Mexican football will lose credibility with bettors and sponsors.” ⚠️
😡 A DISGRACE FOR MEXICAN FOOTBALL
This case is a total disgrace for Mexican football. While other leagues around the world conduct thorough investigations and enforce strict penalties for match-fixing scandals, Mexico applies selective and convenient justice. The FMF seems more interested in projecting authority than in truly eradicating corruption in football 🚫.
It is unacceptable that the Alebrijes de Oaxaca investigation remains stagnant while other cases are resolved immediately. This only proves that some teams enjoy protection within the Mexican football structure, undermining confidence in national competitions ⚽❌.
If the FMF fails to handle the situation with complete impartiality, Mexican football will remain trapped in mediocrity and international disrepute. Corruption and impunity not only damage the quality of the game but also drive away fans and investors looking for a clean and competitive sport 🏟️.
🚀 THE FUTURE OF MEXICAN FOOTBALL
The scandal has put the FMF’s relationship with FIFA at risk, as the international body demands transparency and justice in such cases. A potential sanction from FIFA could impact Mexican clubs’ participation in tournaments like the Leagues Cup or the future reintegration into the Copa Libertadores 🏆.
On social media, the hashtag #ApuestasMX has become a trending topic 📢, with thousands of fans demanding answers and greater transparency in the investigations. The FMF faces a crucial decision: act with fairness and transparency or continue allowing corruption to stain Mexican football.
The future of Mexican football depends on how this case is handled in the coming months. What’s at stake is not just the FMF’s reputation, but the trust of the fans and the interest of sponsors and investors in Mexican football 🇲🇽⚽.
