Liga MX Clubs To Start U23 Women's League To Help National Team

Liga MX President Enrique Bonilla said that the league's 18 clubs have agreed to start a U23 women's league "to strengthen the game in Mexico" and help El Tri's national teams, according to Tom Marshall of ESPN.com. Each squad will have 21 players, with the age limit set at the U23 level. Four players from the U17 category must be included, and "two players over the age limit will also be allowed in each squad." Foreign players "will not be permitted, although Mexico-U.S. dual nationals will be welcomed." Bonilla: "The women's league was born from an initiative by the FMF [Mexican Football Federation]. We want to strengthen the women's league to nourish the national teams with stars." A preliminary cup competition will be played in April or May, and "the league is due to start next September, though no information was given on exact dates or where the teams will play" (ESPN.com, 12/5).