LISBON (AP) – Portugal’s soccer federation said Tuesday it is monitoring the situation in Mexico amid a spike in violence ahead of a friendly against Mexico in March.
The federation said it is “closely monitoring the delicate situation currently unfolding in Mexico” following the killing of the Mexican national. the most powerful drug lord in this country Sunday by the Mexican military. Murder sparked A surge in violence and plunge the country into crisis.
The World Cup warm-up match is scheduled for March 28th at the renovated Azteca Stadium, and the World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa is scheduled to be held on June 11th.
Mexico is scheduled to play Iceland in a friendly in Queretaro on Wednesday, and the Icelandic Football Federation announced on Tuesday that it expects the match to go ahead as scheduled.
The Portuguese federation said it was honored by the invitation to take part in the reopening of the renovated venue, but noted that “the recent evolution of the sport requires a continuous evaluation of the conditions in which national teams and their delegations find themselves”.
He said he would follow the advice of the Portuguese government and remain in close contact with the Mexican Football Federation.
“Any decisions are taken as a result of continuous monitoring, in close cooperation with the government and in coordination with the Mexican Football Federation, an organization with which the Portuguese Football Federation maintains excellent institutional relations and regular contact,” the Portuguese federation said in a statement.
“The Portuguese Football Federation emphasizes that the safety of players, coaching staff and fans is an absolute priority and that this is the main criterion for all evaluations and decisions regarding the staging of matches,” it said.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said at her regular press conference Tuesday that there is “no risk” for fans to come to the World Cup.
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