In December 2019, the Veracruz metropolitan area lost its representation in Mexican football following the disaffiliation of Tiburones Rojos.[2] In the years that followed, several teams attempted to fill the void left by the historic side, including Atlético Veracruz and Club Veracruzano de Fútbol Tiburón; however, neither succeeded in establishing a strong connection with the local fan base. Meanwhile, Racing de Veracruz was established in the Liga Premier, where it enjoyed modest sporting success and attracted local support. Despite this, the club was never able to use the city's main venue, the Estadio Luis “Pirata” Fuente, due to ongoing political disputes.[3]
In December 2022, with no professional team based at the Estadio Pirata Fuente, the government initiated a major reconstruction project aimed at attracting investors interested in bringing a professional football club to Veracruz. Renovations were completed in May 2025.[4]
The following month, Piratas de Veracruz was officially unveiled, with the goal of establishing a new professional team at the refurbished stadium. However, the project was quickly put on hold after Liga de Expansión MX club owners rejected the proposed sale of Celaya.[5]
In April 2026, a renewed effort was made to approve the franchise sale. This time, the transaction was authorized, clearing the way for Piratas de Veracruz to compete in Expansión MX beginning with the 2026–27 season.[6][7] After their entry into the Expansión MX was approved, the team received the official name of Piratas F.C., this to avoid future legal problems with the use of the word Veracruz.[8]