Chivas are left to “Die Alone”

At some point in the conversation, I threw in the question looking for some kind of reaction and came away with an answer I didn't expect: "It's their problem..."

That was the resounding response from a team owner, whose name doesn't really matter. What really matters is that Mexican soccer seems so unconcerned about the situation involving one of their "partners". A situation, by the way, that is not in any way about just another club that can lose their status tomorrow or the day after or suddenly disappear from la Liga MX due to some serious complication on the field. The message is direct and very clear: "The issue concerning Chivas is 'not our problem'. They got there through their own mistakes and will have to get out on their own."

- Marshall: La Volpe takes reins at Chivas

I'm not a Chivas fan, but I am a fan of history and of Chivas' roots. As far back as I can remember, I've known what that means for Mexican soccer. El Guadalajara, las Chivas Rayadas de Guadalajara are the passionate, emotional backbone of the Mexican League and are, as far as I know, a link between a simple, banal sport and social, cultural and emotional subjects.

Chivas are not just a team of eleven players who sometimes seem to be shaking at the knees, or just a team with a hesitant trainer and an impatient owner, Chivas are also a symbol of our culture and our traditions. Chivas are more than just soccer. But all that seems to matter little or nothing to the Mexican soccer team owners.

However, there is another issue at hand here. Perhaps in the previous paragraph, I referred to the most romantic part of the matter. We should not forget the economic component, in which the term "partner" acquires a greater validity and importance. Aren't Chivas perhaps a cornerstone of the league that collaborates by filling stadiums (on away games because the Omnilife wasn't even at full capacity for the Clasico)? Aren't Chivas the team that increase levels of TV viewing? Aren't Chivas the team that earn the most from television rights in Mexico and in the United States? The most precise and concise question is: Are Chivas an indispensable economic support for Mexican soccer?

"Helping" Chivas has nothing to do with -- for the evil-minded -- giving them points and games and saving them from relegation. No, what is more important -- or at least should be -- is that Chivas have the option to reinforce their team in a market that has become more complicated and unfair for them. That is, that when Chivas are ready to spend some money -- and according to owner Jorge Vergara he has the willingness and enough funds -- that they are offered the opportunity to "compete" with fair prices for the top Mexican players in the market. Is that too much to ask?

The rest, of course, depends on the Guadalajara club itself and the decisions they make both on and off the field. Decisions they need to make to distance themselves from the risk of relegation they could face in the near future.

I know that there is a battle on the playing field, and off it, but the alarming state of Chivas should be a common concern. It is not just another team. It is much more than that. To just let it die would be more than a shame. It is tantamount to letting one of our most sacred and commendable traditions die.