By Edgardo Avelar
The “Celestial Machine” by Cruz Azul, real champion of the MX League, Finally, it will play at the Banorte Stadium (Azteca) during the 2026 Apertura Tournament in a decision that came after complicated negotiations.
This occurs after the Ollamani Group board reconsidered its position of modifying the long-established agreement that the Celestials had previously signed with businessman Emilio Azcárraga Jean.
After intense rumors about a contractual reconciliation, Liga MX published the official statement confirming that the cement companies will maintain the Colossus of Santa Úrsula as their home, allowing them to play their next home match against Puebla there.
The conditions that the Machine demanded
The statement issued by the Liga BBVA MX He explained that the club requested to rescind the process they had already started to change headquarters:
“The Cruz Azul Club informed the LIGA BBVA MX that it had reached an agreement to use the Banorte Stadium, the headquarters registered by the Club… Derived from the above, the Club requested to annul the process initiated for the change of venue for its matches, t“both for the Ciudad de los Deportes Stadium during this tournament, and for the La Corregidora Stadium on the following day.”
With this movement, the conditions returned to the terms agreed upon from the beginning. Cruz Azul will maintain retain watch over its own ticketing companythe administration of supplies and supplies sold inside the stadium, the operation of its private security force and respect for the agreed percentages on the ticket offices.
The intervention of Emilio Azcárraga
The crisis began when Grupo Ollamani tried to unilaterally modify several points of the long-established contract, which caused Cruz Azul to threaten to abandon the World Cup property.
However, Unofficial sources indicate that Emilio Azcárraga Jean, owner of Televisa and CEO of Grupo Ollamani, intervened directly.
The businessman held an emergency meeting with the administrator’s executive staff to suggest reconsideration of your position and avoid the loss of such an important tenant.
In this way, both parties smoothed over differences. Cruz Azul will avoid moving to the Ciudad de los Deportes Stadium — which was still under renovation— and will have a stage with all the comforts in the search for their two-time championship.
The talks advanced because the agreement was convenient for both parties, a little more on Ollamani’s side, because said company guarantees the acquisition of the resources that the Machine will leave you through a fixed lease and thus avoid a loss of income.
AGREEMENT VIRTUALLY CLOSED WITH BANORTE?
Cruz Azul is already withdrawing workers from Ciudad de los Deportes and preparing their return to Azteca.
Cruz Azul will play in the best stadium in the world. pic.twitter.com/SzyVziNEZ6
— Adrián Esparza Oteo? (@A_EsparzaOteo) July 17, 2026
Likewise, it is important emphasize that this lease contract with the Ciudad de los Deportes Stadium was not signed by the Machine, so there will be no penalty. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul debuts this Friday visiting Atlético de San Luis.
Continue reading:
– Why can’t Cruz Azul play at the Ciudad de los Deportes Stadium?
– Cruz Azul breaks with the Azteca Stadium due to contract changes; asks to return to his old house
– Matías Almeyda insists on his “whim” for Monterrey
