Cartel office interfered
Due to anti-competitive collusion over transfers, the Mexican football federation (FMF), 17 clubs, and eight people have been fined by Mexico’s cartel office. The government agency announced on Thursday a fine of 177.6 million pesos (€7.5 million). Almost all Liga MX clubs were involved.
The cartel office punished clubs for the so-called “gentleman’s agreement,” which forces clubs within Liga MX to pay a fee for players even if they are out of contract. The practice was used until 2018 when the government agency started its investigation and players started to protest against the rule. The gentleman’s agreement was contrary to labor mobility laws.
Thauvin at the top: The most valuable Liga MX players
On top of that, the cartel office also objected to the salary cap, which was used in the Liga MX Femenil until 2019. The practice minimized competition between clubs for the best players and deepened the pay gap between men and women in the sport. FMF and Liga MX have announced that they will accept the fines.
La FMF y la Liga MX informan que han recibido la resolución emitida por @cofecemx.
Lee más: https://t.co/bq0fz43Uqh#FMFporNuestroFútbol pic.twitter.com/FWZgD6d4U7
— Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (@FMF) September 23, 2021
