Football BaBe
Leagues Cup Under Fire: Antonio Mohamed Demands Fairer Format for Toluca’s Campaign
In the evolving world of cross-league competitions, the Leagues Cup continues to spark controversy, with coaches like Antonio Mohamed voicing frustrations over its structure as Toluca prepares for a challenging debut.
Antonio Mohamed’s Critique of Leagues Cup Structure
The manager of Toluca, who recently clinched the Liga MX title, has openly condemned the setup of the Leagues Cup, describing it as perplexing, inequitable, and opaque. This experienced Argentine tactician views the arrangement as an unusual competitive setup that diminishes the value of on-field performances.
“Our points tally is influenced by results from games we aren’t even involved in,” he emphasized. “It’s entirely possible to triumph in every fixture yet fail to progress. That logic just doesn’t hold up.”
Exploring the Revamped 2025 Leagues Cup Setup
This year’s Leagues Cup introduces an innovative framework that’s generating significant discussion. It features 18 teams from Liga MX and an equal number from MLS, organized into separate conferences by country. In the opening round, clubs engage in three games each, exclusively against opponents from the rival league.
A distinctive element is the elimination of draws: any game tied at full time proceeds directly to a penalty shootout. The victorious side in penalties secures two points, while the defeated team still gains one.
FURTHER INSIGHTS: Updated Leagues Cup Focuses on Intense MLS-Liga MX Clashes
Debates Surrounding Qualification Rules
The real contention arises from the advancement mechanism. Rather than standard knockout stages or advancing group leaders, each league compiles a comprehensive standings based on accumulated points, with only the leading four from each advancing to the quarterfinals.
This format opens the door for a squad that dominates all three encounters to be knocked out based on factors like goal difference or other deciding criteria. Recent updates indicate that in the 2025 edition, over 70% of participating teams have voiced concerns about similar tiebreaker issues in simulations.
Challenges for Liga MX Teams in Leagues Cup
Mohamed further pointed out the operational burdens on Mexican sides, which are required to contest all fixtures on American soil, in contrast to MLS clubs enjoying home advantages. He discussed the impact of extensive journeys on player readiness.
“Our entire Sunday was dedicated to transit. We recover today, practice tomorrow, and compete in the evening,” he detailed.
Certain players from Liga MX were rested during local matches to optimize their condition for the Leagues Cup opener. Nonetheless, Mohamed insisted that the playing field isn’t level.
“Clearly, we lack the advantages that host teams enjoy,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of strategic player management to juggle league duties and this international event.
Mohamed’s Final Thoughts on Fairness in Leagues Cup
“We’re not making excuses. Our goal is to advance deeply in this competition, and we’ll commit fully. However, the framework must evolve to become more straightforward and equitable,” Mohamed wrapped up.
Toluca’s Upcoming Matches in Leagues Cup Group Stage
In the preliminary rounds, Toluca is set to clash with Columbus Crew, CF Montréal, and NYCFC.
