02/24/26 12:34:00
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02/24 12:26 CST Portuguese soccer federation monitoring situation in Mexico
ahead of friendly in March
Portuguese soccer federation monitoring situation in Mexico ahead of friendly
in March
LISBON (AP) --- The Portuguese soccer federation said Tuesday it was monitoring
the situation in Mexico amid a surge in violence ahead of its friendly against
the Mexican national team in March.
The federation said it was "closely monitoring the delicate situation currently
unfolding in Mexico" following the killing of the country's most powerful drug
lord by the Mexican army on Sunday. The killing sparked a surge in violence and
put the country on edge.
The World Cup warmup match is scheduled for March 28 at the renovated Azteca
Stadium, which is scheduled to host the opening match of the World Cup between
Mexico and South Africa on June 11.
Mexico is set to play Iceland in a friendly Wednesday in Queretaro, with the
Icelandic soccer federation saying Tuesday that it expects the game to go ahead
as planned.
The Portuguese federation said it was honored by the invitation to participate
in the reopening of the renovated venue, but noted that "the recent evolution
of events requires continuous evaluation of the conditions" that the national
team and its delegation will find.
It said it will follow the recommendations of the Portuguese government and
will be in close contact with the Mexican soccer federation.
"Any decision will be made as a result of ongoing monitoring, in close
coordination with the government and in line with the Mexican Football
Federation, an entity 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 this is the main criteria
for all assessments and decisions regarding the holding of the match," the
federation said.
Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said Tuesday at her daily news briefing that
there was "no risk" for fans coming to the World Cup.
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