What is the 'Pacto de Caballeros' in Mexican football?

The Federal Economic Competition Commission (Cofece) reported on September 23, 2021, that it imposed fines on 17 Liga MX soccer clubs and the Mexican Soccer Federation for monopolistic practices and preventing players from freely negotiating contracts; in other words, the return of the so-called 'Pacto de Caballeros' (Gentlemen's Agreement).

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But what is the 'Pacto de Caballeros’?

The "Pacto de Caballeros" (Gentlemen's Agreement) is an unwritten agreement between directors and owners of teams that prevents players from freely contracting with Mexican and foreign clubs. Generally, it is applied when the players' contracts are about to expire or have expired.

As it is an informal agreement, there are several loopholes in it; for example, the directors do not allow a player to go to another club without 'his authorization'.

The 'Pacto de Cabelleros' contravenes FIFA rules which, since 1995, have guaranteed freedom of employment to professional football players. This is mentioned in article 18 of the Federation's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.

"A professional player shall be free to sign a contract with another club if his contract with his current club has expired or will expire within six months," the article states.

In 2020, it was reported that the 'Pacto de Caballeros' was a violation of the Mexican worker's rights and would have come to an end thanks to the work of the Mexican Soccer Players' Association.

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