The vanguard (or the attempt) reaches the Liga MX
It seems that the Liga MX, in a burst of modernity that has left us all speechless, is about to launch a semi-automatic offside system. Yes, you read correctly. The same technology that European leagues enjoy, those where players earn millions and teams do not mysteriously disappear from one tournament to another, finally lands in Mexican soccer. Because, clearly, what we were missing to feel like we were a top league was a handful of cameras deciding if a shoulder was in an illegal position.
The great visionary behind this feat, Mikel Arriola, president of the organization, confirmed with the enthusiasm of someone announcing the discovery of the wheel that this technological prodigy will debut in the Apertura 2025 League. With the support of the Mexican Football Federation and, supposedly, technology companies (names that, curiously, are kept in the most absolute mystery), Arriola declared that in a few days the referees – whom he affectionately referred to as “whistlers”, a term that undoubtedly elevates their professional status – will have this support. “We have a couple of additional weeks to finish our investment. It is quite high, but it is worth it to be able to bring the same technological offside mechanism that the Premier League has,” he mentioned. Because what better way to spend a fortune than to emulate the English league? Surely fans, fed up with beer prices in stadiums, will be delighted to know that their money is being invested in high-definition cameras instead of, I don’t know, upgrading bathrooms?
A pharaonic installation and dubious commitments
Arriola, not content with revolutionizing men’s football, was quick to boast that the Liguilla of the Liga MX Femenil already has the VAR. A charming detail, so that no one can say that they don’t think about equality. But returning to the new toy, the president assured with a solemnity that borders on the epic that the semi-automatic offside is not a passing experiment, but that “it will now remain in all the stadiums.” “The installation involves more than 30 cameras per stadium. We have been working on it all these months, but this is here to stay forever.” Forever! A statement that evokes eternity, just what we needed in a league where relegations and promotions are as stable as a house of cards in an earthquake. One can’t help but wonder: will these cameras survive a national classic or will they go out due to a blackout just when a striker is in a doubtful position?
And since no announcement about the future of Mexican soccer would be complete without a tangential mention of the ever-hopeful Mexican National Team, Arriola deflected the conversation with the elegance of a seasoned politician. He spoke about the preparations for Javier Aguirre‘s tour of Central America, ensuring that the Tricolor will face “the best rivals” ahead of the 2026 World Cup. “We know that there is a current qualifying round in Concacaf and we are waiting for those results. Mexico will have the best rivals for next year,” he concluded. Because, of course, the key to success at a World Cup is implementing offside technology in the local league, while looking forward to seeing how we do against teams whose names we sometimes don’t even remember. The strategy is impeccable.
So get ready, dear fans. Soon we will be able to passionately argue whether an algorithm deprived our team of a legitimate goal, instead of solely blaming the referee on duty. It’s progress, even if at times it feels like an episode of Black Mirror with the smell of grass and spilled beer. Isn’t it wonderful?
Do you think this technology will put an end to controversies or will it simply give them a more high-tech touch? Share this news on your social networks and tell us what other aspects of Mexican football you think need urgent modernization. Explore more content related to technological evolution in sports on our site.
