Liga MX has appointed Francisco Iturbide as its new president, part of a broader governance restructuring that borrows heavily from the English Premier League's operating model. The move comes as Mexican soccer prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host with the United States and Canada.
A new president for Mexico's top flight
Iturbide takes over at a moment when Liga MX is trying to modernize its structure and increase its competitiveness. The league announced the appointment Thursday, though Iturbide's specific start date and term length were not disclosed. He replaces previous leadership amid a push for more centralized authority and clearer commercial strategy.
The league says the governance overhaul is designed to streamline decision-making and bring in best practices from Europe's most-watched soccer league. Under the Premier League model, clubs retain significant autonomy but cede certain powers to a central board on issues like broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals, and competitive rules. Iturbide's role will likely mirror that of the Premier League's chief executive, handling day-to-day operations and league expansion.
Why the Premier League model?
Liga MX has long been one of the most popular soccer leagues in the Americas, but its administrative structure has drawn criticism. Clubs have often operated with near-total independence, leading to uneven competition and fragmented marketing. By adopting the Premier League's framework, the league hopes to create a more unified brand and attract bigger international investment.
The Premier League model is known for its collective bargaining power and revenue-sharing system, which has helped English clubs grow into global commercial giants. Liga MX's restructuring signals a desire to replicate that success, especially as the 2026 World Cup approaches. Hosting duties will put Mexican soccer in the global spotlight, and league officials want the domestic product to be ready.
Preparing for 2026
The 2026 World Cup is less than three years away, and the organizing work is ramping up. Mexico will host matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. The league's governance changes are widely seen as part of a broader effort to upgrade infrastructure, improve player development, and raise the quality of the league overall.
Iturbide's appointment and the organizational shift are the most concrete steps taken so far. The league has not released a detailed timeline for implementing the new governance structure, but changes are expected to roll out over the next year. Club owners and league officials will need to hammer out the specifics of revenue sharing, rule enforcement, and the balance of power between the central office and individual teams.
The challenge now is execution. Adopting a model on paper is one thing; making it work in Mexico's distinct soccer culture is another. Iturbide will have to navigate tensions among club owners who are used to going their own way, all while keeping the league stable and competitive ahead of the World Cup. The next few months will show whether the Premier League blueprint can take root south of the border.
