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The Honor and Justice Committee of the 2026 Copa Jalisco (the Jalisco Cup, the largest and most prestigious amateur soccer tournament in Mexico) fined the municipality of Ameca 40,000 pesos (2,300 USD) and suspended it for two years after its men’s team failed to appear for the second leg of the grand final against Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos.
According to the official ruling issued on June 3, the committee determined that Ameca’s absence lacked justification. Officials said the team failed to present evidence of events beyond its reasonable control or of any emergency that could explain its failure to play the match scheduled for May 31 in Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos.
The committee also rejected a protest filed by Ameca President Martha Catalina Loza Castro. The protest cited security concerns related to alleged threats and other incidents following the first leg. However, the committee concluded that the arguments did not justify the team’s absence.
As a result, officials awarded Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos a 3-0 victory by forfeit. Combined with the 1-1 draw in the first leg, the aggregate score reached 4-1, officially giving the Ciénega region team the 2026 Copa Jalisco men’s title.
In addition to the fine, the ruling states that Ameca cannot participate in any Copa Jalisco category for the next two years. The sanction applies to both the men’s and women’s divisions. It also prevents players and coaches registered with Ameca from joining another participating municipality during the suspension period.
The Honor and Justice Committee also ordered that CODE Jalisco (State Council for Sports Promotion) and other authorities be notified of the resolution so they can review the case and take any appropriate action.
The committee declared the decision final, binding, and not subject to appeal under the rules of the 2026 Copa Jalisco.
The sanction marks one of the toughest penalties in recent state tournament history. The decision has sparked debate among fans, municipal officials, and members of Jalisco’s amateur sports community over the severity of the punishment and the circumstances behind Ameca’s absence.
Translated and edited by Catharina Klaassen
