Toluca play Major League Soccer (MLS) side Los Angeles FC in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semi-finals on Wednesday, while Chivas de Guadalajara are preparing for their Liga MX play-off quarter-final on Sunday.
Toluca requested permission on Tuesday that the FMF release forward Alexis Vega and left-back Jesus Gallardo, angering rivals Chivas, who had already released five players; goalkeeper Raul Rangel, midfielder Luis Romo, United States-born midfielder Brian Gutierrez, winger Roberto Alvarado and forward Armando Gonzalez.
Toluca’s request to hold back players to prioritise their Champions Cup semi-final, which they trail 2-1 on aggregate after the first leg, was seen as a breach of the agreement made with Liga MX clubs.
Chivas president Amaury Vergara wrote on X, external on Tuesday: , external“Agreements are valid only when all parties respect them. I instructed the Sports Directorate that our players report tomorrow at the club’s facilities.”
Chivas were beaten 3-1 by Tigres in the first leg of the play-off quarter-final last weekend.
On Wednesday, Chivas said: “We respect our players’ desire to represent Mexico at the 2026 World Cup, and we will in no way be a factor that hinders that possibility, therefore they will report to the training camp on time and in the proper manner.”
At a news conference, also on Wednesday after the FMF statement, Mexico head coach Aguirre said: “As you know, the statement is very clear: whoever doesn’t come will be out of the World Cup. We can’t be flexible, not at all.”
He thanked Chivas and Toluca, adding: “Nobody has broken the agreement. So far the play-offs have been played without national team players. So far we are all in agreement with what we signed, what we discussed, what we saw – they have supported us unconditionally.
“I am here to explain that this is a unique project and that we are committed to it. Nothing extraordinary has happened, and everything is proceeding as planned, with the great support of everyone – fans, players, management and the press. We are all in the same boat, and I think it is important to tell you that.”
