Under the guidance of Alejandro Irarragorri, a prominent business group has steered Mexican football for several years, shaping the landscape of the sport nationwide.
Atlas continues to be regarded as one of Liga MX’s strongest clubs in recent seasons, thanks to a solid project and robust backing from its owners, the Orlegi group. Alongside the Rojinegros, a joint venture has grown to help each club tackle challenges and remain serious contenders for the title, reflecting a shared strategy aimed at long-term success.
In June 2022, the ownership group expanded its footprint with the acquisition of a historic figure from Spanish football now competing in the Segunda Division. The idea of a time-share or shared ownership has stirred conversation within Mexican football circles. Alejandro Irarragorri introduced a compelling proposal to integrate Atlas more deeply into the MX league structure, showing a willingness to pursue innovative ownership models that could involve two clubs under a single corporate umbrella.
The Orlegi group has solidified its influence in Mexican football by resolving key issues in broadcasting rights and aligning with broader federation interests. Their efforts contributed to reshaping broadcasting discussions, including negotiations that once involved other major entities. More recently, the group has supported the appointment of Diego Cocca to the Mexican national team with an eye toward the 2026 World Cup, highlighting their growing role in national football decisions.
With these moves, the GOAL network offers a deeper look at how the association operates and what it means for the league in Canada and the United States, where audiences follow Liga MX closely and invest in its development.
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Orlegi is a company with offices across the Mexican Republic and in countries such as the United States, Colombia, and Scotland. It operates through two sectors: Orlegi Sports & Entertainment, focused on sports ventures, and Orlegi Affairs, dedicated to building business projects. Atlas and Santos appear to be their strongest football properties, reflecting the company’s strategic emphasis on top-tier clubs in Mexico.
The group previously engaged with Tampico Madero in the MX Expansion Competition but announced plans to depart the club after it failed to meet business expectations and faced stadium-related structural challenges that proved difficult to resolve.
Alejandro Irarragorri, the head of Grupo Orlegi and president of Sporting de Gijón, has delegated specific responsibilities to trusted executives. In sports operations, José Ristra chairs Atlas, while Dante Elizalde leads Sporting de Gijón, underscoring a leadership model built on clear roles and regional expertise.
Which team will win the Clausura 2023 Liga MX?
- Monterrey
- America
- Chivas
- Toluca
- Tigers
- Other
5922 to vote
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Which team will win the Clausura 2023 Liga MX?
- 17%Monterrey
- 35%America
- 23%Chivas
- 4%Toluca
- 9%Tigers
- 11%Other
5922 to vote
Source: GOAL