The Mexican national team has issued a warning that Liga MX players could be excluded from the World Cup roster if they arrive late to a training camp starting Wednesday evening.
Last December, the federation announced a plan prioritizing national team training, even with potential scheduling conflicts due to the ongoing Liga MX playoffs.
The objective of this early camp is to provide manager Javier Aguirre with just over five weeks of preparation utilizing a Liga MX roster, while many other countries wait for their players to finish club commitments.
On Tuesday, Toluca’s Jesús Gallardo and Alexis Vega, both named in the Liga MX call-up for May, were seen training with their club before a Concacaf Champions Cup match against LAFC, raising concerns about their attendance at the national team camp.
Later on Tuesday, Chivas owner Amaury Vergara, who has five players on the national team roster amidst a playoff push, took to social media to demand his players return to their club.
“Agreements only hold when all parties respect them,” Vergara stated. “I’ve directed the sports directors to ensure our players report to club facilities tomorrow.”
In reaction, the Mexican federation released a reminder to players and clubs that “according to the coaching staff’s direction, any player not attending training camp today will not be considered for the World Cup roster.”
During a Wednesday press conference, Aguirre emphasized the requirement.
“The statement is clear: Any player who fails to show up will be omitted from the World Cup,” he stated. “This is not negotiable … We’ve been working on this project for some time. It has been approved and is a collaborative effort.”
“I want to express my gratitude to all the clubs, especially Chivas and Toluca, as Chivas is clearly impacted by the number of players involved, and Toluca for their participation in a continental tournament.”
The initial 12-man squad begins training on Wednesday, with European-based players set to join later in May.
Before the World Cup kicks off, Aguirre’s side will compete in friendly matches against Ghana on May 22, Australia on May 30, and Serbia on June 4.
The World Cup group stage begins for Mexico against South Africa on June 11, followed by matches against South Korea on June 18 and Czechia on June 24.
In Liga MX, the quarterfinals will commence on May 2, concluding with the second leg of the final on May 24.