Mikel Arriola has officially been appointed as the new president of the Federacif3n Mexicana de Futbol (FMF), marking his transition from the interim commissioner role he has filled since December 2024. The announcement was made on March 9, 2025, during the latest update from the FMF, where it was confirmed he will now represent Mexican soccer internationally at tournaments, conferences, and meetings sanctioned by global football governing bodies FIFA and Concacaf.
His appointment follows the resignation of Juan Carlos Rodredguez, also known as "La Bomba," who previously held the commissioner position. Arriola's rise to the football presidency indicates the urgency for the FMF to appoint someone with immediate authority, especially as the organization navigates various international commitments.
According to the official release, the change was necessitated by statutory requirements which dictate the role's need to represent the FMF broadly at both national and international levels. “The president has the faculty to represent the Federation in all sorts of congresses, assemblies, tournaments, and competitions convened by the national and international sports organizations of which it is a member,” the FMF stated.
Following his new role, Arriola stated, “I am honored and excited to take on this responsibility. This development provides me the platform to advance Mexican football on the international stage.” He will also continue his collaboration with Ivar Sisniega, who remains within the FMF's institutional structure, focusing on national matters as executive president.
The FMF’s decision to appoint Arriola as president is significant not only for the organization but also for Liga MX, where he has served faithfully since December 7, 2020. Now, as he navigates this new role, questions surround the future of Liga MX's leadership. Currently, there is no information confirming whether he will continue to preside over Liga MX or if the position will be filled by another individual.
Arriola’s history with Mexican football extends beyond just recent events. His tenure as president of Liga MX and Expansion MX since late 2020 provided him with experience and insight needed to manage FMF’s direction effectively.
This leadership transition at the FMF is both timely and pivotal as it coincides with growing international scrutiny and expectations on Mexican football to perform at higher levels on the world stage. Achieving success under Arriola's leadership will require collaboration across all sectors of Mexican football, including cooperation with local clubs, athletes, and international partners.
His appointment was widely discussed on social media, with many football fans and analysts expressing optimism for the future of Mexican football under his direction. A social media post from the FMF celebrated the new presidency, stating, “It’s official! Mikel Arriola is recognized as President of the FMF. We look forward to this new chapter!” This call to positivity is indicative of the football community's hope for renewed vigor and strategic vision.
Looking forward, Arriola will face multiple challenges. He must balance the interests of the FMF with the operational needs of Liga MX, ensuring not only compliance with FIFA and Concacaf standards but also achieving domestic growth. His experience within the Liga MX has equipped him with the tools to bridge the gap between domestic expectations and international performances.
Fans and stakeholders alike will be closely watching how effectively Mikel Arriola can unify and revitalise Mexican football as he embarks on this new leadership chapter. The dual responsibilities he now carries pose both opportunities and challenges, as the next few months will reflect his strategic decision-making capabilities.
Conclusively, the FMF and the future of Mexican football hinge upon how well Mikel Arriola can establish himself as the representative needed to propel Mexican football to new heights, both on the continental and global stage.