Controversy has erupted in the Clausura 2026 Liguilla. Club Universidad (Pumas) is preparing a formal complaint to the Liga MX Disciplinary Commission for an alleged improper alignment of Club América, after the 3-3 draw in the first leg of the Quarterfinals.
According to information confirmed by sources close to the Auriazul club, the protest will be filed this Monday, supported by videos and evidence that point to an irregularity in the changes made by América during the match played at the Banorte Stadium.
What happened in the controversial play?
The key moment came in the 62nd minute.
Uruguayan defender Sebastián Cáceres received medical attention after a clash of heads, which forced his departure due to concussion protocol.
Meanwhile, America was preparing multiple changes.
Initially, the fourth official signaled the departure of Miguel Vázquez (number 32) for Thiago Espinosa.
However, after Cáceres’ injury was confirmed, the Azulcrema coaching staff changed the substitution at the last minute.
In the process, Vázquez apparently left the field and was then re-entered, which is prohibited by regulation.
This detail is at the core of Pumas’ complaint.
The regulations clearly establish that a player who leaves the field of play may not re-enter, even under concussion protocol (Filed as: Undue Alignment of América).
America’s position
From the Azulcrema side, the position is firm: there was no irregularity.
Club sources assure that the central referee, Luis Enrique Santander, correctly authorized the change due to concussion.
In addition, they highlight a key point: no change related to Miguel Vázquez appears on the official party ballot.
Only the substitution of Cáceres for Espinosa.
According to this version, if the change is not in the official document, “it did not exist” (Filed as: Undue alignment of América).
The protest will be filed this Monday
QuéOnnda.com
What do the regulations say?
Liga MX Competition Rules provide for additional substitutions in cases of concussion.
As long as they are authorized by the medical staff.
However, it is also forceful in another respect: no player who has left the field may return to the game.
If this situation is confirmed, it would constitute an improper alignment of América.
The scenario is delicate. If the Disciplinary Commission rules in favor of Pumas, América would be automatically eliminated from the Liguilla, in accordance with Article 52 of the Sanction Regulations.
In addition, the club would face a financial fine of close to 117 thousand pesos (equivalent to 1,000 UMAs).
However, América would still have the option of appealing the decision before the Mexican Soccer Federation’s Appeals Committee, which could lengthen the process.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
