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The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has initiated an investigation to determine if the Monterrey Football Club, known as Rayados, violated the competition regulations by assigning the number 16 to Jesús 'Tecatito' Corona, a number that had previously been used by Celso Ortiz before his transfer to Pachuca. The situation raises questions about the possibility that the club requested the number change justified, an exception allowed by the regulations.
Article 91 of the competition regulations, in its subsection b, establishes the rules regarding player numbering and prohibits changing shirt numbers in the same season, unless the player leaving the club has not played in that tournament. In this case, Celso Ortiz used the number 16 in several matches of the Apertura 2023 with Monterrey before his transfer to Pachuca, and subsequently, 'Tecatito' Corona was registered with the same number and made his debut with Rayados in a match against León. This sequence could indicate that Rayados has committed an infringement.
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However, the regulations also allow for number changes if adequately justified. According to the competition regulations, "only at the written request of a club, the Liga MX may authorize the change of a number on a player's shirt, provided there is a duly justified reason to authorize said change."
The key point of this investigation lies in whether Monterrey submitted a written request justifying the use of the same number for 'Tecatito' Corona. If it is demonstrated that the club presented a valid reason for the number change, it is possible that the FMF will not impose sanctions on the team.
Although the situation raises questions, for now, it does not seem that Rayados will face severe punishment. The ongoing investigation will determine if the proper regulations were followed and if the club can justify the use of the number 16 by 'Tecatito' Corona in accordance with the Liga MX competition regulations.
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