Sweeping Corruption Away: FMF’s Bold Steps to Clean Up Mexican Football
FMF rolls out anti-match-fixing measures: tougher penalties, real-time betting surveillance, education programs, & whistleblower protection.
When it comes to football, Mexico lives and breathes the beautiful game. From passionate fan support to sponsorship by top Asian and European bookmakers, the sport is an intrinsic part of the nation. Yet, the shadow of illegal betting and match fixing has loomed for years. Now, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) is stepping up with a series of anti-match-fixing measures to tackle this issue head-on. However, will these steps be enough to restore faith in the sport?
The urgency of this question has been made clear by recent events, prompting a closer look at what has transpired and why the FMF’s actions are now more critical than ever.
Anti-Match-Fixing Measures: The Scandal That Shook the Pitch
A significant scandal shook Mexican football on February 15, 2025. Seven players from Liga de Expansión MX (second division) clubs were suspended for a combined 57 years due to their involvement in sports betting and match fixing. Six of the players were from Real Apodaca, and one from Correcaminos UAT. The FMF based the punishments on Appendix IV of the FMF Sanctions Regulations, as well as Articles 27 and 30 of the FIFA Code of Ethics and Article 11 of the FMF Code of Ethics. While the players’ names remain undisclosed, it is suspected that the bets were placed in European casinos with high stakes.
This scandal is not isolated. In 2022, a Sportradar report revealed unusual betting volumes and a substantial increase in suspicious activity across Liga de Expansión MX, Copa MX, and Sub-20 matches.
Furthermore, in 2024, Alebrijes de Oaxaca players were investigated for similar offenses. Although not all cases resulted in official sanctions, the escalating trend of match-fixing allegations indicates a systemic problem within Mexican football. This raises a critical question: why does this occur so frequently?
What Mexican Law Says About Illegal Betting
While Mexico possesses clear legal frameworks against illegal betting and match fixing, enforcement has historically been inconsistent. The country’s Federal Gaming and Lottery Law prohibits illegal betting, permitting it only in establishments authorized by the Ministry of the Interior. Furthermore, the FMF maintains strict guidelines against match manipulation, including regulations that:
- Prohibit players from participating in bets related to their matches.
- Mandate punishments of fines and disqualification for violators.
- Require bets to be placed in local currency (MXN) and authorized establishments.
However, unlike European leagues with robust monitoring and swift disciplinary actions, Mexican football has often struggled with both detection and enforcement. Factors such as corruption, insufficient oversight, and inadequate collaboration with betting regulatory bodies have contributed to the persistence of match fixing. Additionally, the proliferation of global online betting has further complicated detection, making it increasingly challenging to identify fraudulent activities.
Anti-Match-Fixing Measures: Previous Attempts to Tackle the Issue
The FMF hasn’t been sitting idle. Since 2021, it has been working with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the Global Program to Safeguard Sport from Corruption and Economic Crimes “to implement the best international practices.”
Yet, these measures didn’t go far enough. The lack of real deterrents meant that players still saw match fixing as a lucrative, low-risk gamble. The recent crackdown suggests the FMF is finally taking stronger action—but is it enough?
The FMF’s New Preventive Initiatives
In the wake of the 2025 scandal, the FMF has rolled out a set of anti-match-fixing measures:
Real-Time Betting Surveillance
Partnering with Genius Sports (data firm) to detect unusual betting patterns immediately.
Collaboration with Legal Authorities
The FMF announced its decision to file a formal complaint before the Attorney General's Office (FGR) regarding illegal betting in the second division, aiming to determine responsibilities and strengthen accountability measures.
Dissuasive Campaigns
On February 19, the FMF issued an official letter to all league presidents, including the amateur sector, explicitly warning of the legal and sporting consequences of engaging in illegal betting and related practices.
Legislative Action
The FMF announced plans to seek support from Congress to promote a bill aimed at toughening sanctions against those involved in illegal betting and match manipulation, emphasizing its commitment to eradicating these practices.
Player Awareness Workshops
In collaboration with the Mexican Association of Football Players (AMFPRO), the FMF will conduct workshops to educate players on the importance of safeguarding the integrity of their professional careers and the sport as a whole.
Broader Collaboration and Department Strengthening
The FMF is committed to working closely with federal authorities to prevent and investigate cases of match-fixing and illegal betting. Furthermore, it plans to bolster its Integrity Department to align with FIFA's standards and protect the integrity of all competitions.
Can These Measures Truly Fix the Situation?
The FMF stated its “… absolute rejection of this type of illegal practices that should have no place in our sport and we will continue working with clubs, authorities, and players in favor of transparency, justice, and the integrity of soccer in Mexico”. This is a step in the right direction, but questions remain. Will these anti-match-fixing measures be enforced consistently, or will influential players and clubs find loopholes? More importantly, can Mexican football truly rid itself of corruption when illegal betting is still thriving in underground markets?
Ultimately, the FMF’s success will depend on continuous monitoring, international cooperation, and a genuine commitment to integrity. The fight against match-fixing isn’t won with one big punishment—it requires ongoing vigilance.
Anti-Match-Fixing Measures: A Step Forward, But the Game Isn’t Over
Mexican football is at a crossroads. With match-fixing scandals making headlines, the FMF has no choice but to act decisively. For fans and bettors, these anti-match-fixing measures offer a glimmer of hope. After all, the beauty of football lies in its unpredictability—not in pre-determined outcomes.
As part of this collective effort, fans and bettors can also contribute by supporting ethical practices. If you’re looking to enjoy the game responsibly, consider opening a betting account with an agent who partners with reputable bookmakers. This way, you can support the sport while ensuring that your bets are placed in a safe and regulated environment.
In the end, protecting the integrity of football isn’t just the FMF’s responsibility—it’s one we all share. Players, officials, fans, and bettors alike must work together to ensure the beautiful game remains as fair, unpredictable, and inspiring as it was meant to be.
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