Liga MX clubs will not participate in the 2017 Copa Libertadores, South America's club championship, league president Enrique Bonilla announced Friday.
Clubs from Mexico have participated in the tournament since 1998, with the Mexican market representing a large television audience for CONMEBOL. But a format change announced this season that originally seemed to benefit Mexican clubs, with more inclusive regulations for hosting matches including the final, will see teams pull out.
The tournament now will run from February to November, which Bonilla said will put it in conflict with the league's Clausura playoffs, plus the Confederations Cup, Gold Cup, summer break and preseason ahead of the second tournament of the year.