ZCZC
BSP-03
FBL-MEX-VIRUS-HEALTH
Mexican football suspended over coronavirus concerns
MEXICO CITY, March 16, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – The Mexican football league
announced Sunday it would suspend first and second-division play and women’s
competition in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
“It has been decided to suspend all matches of Liga MX (first), Ascenso
BBVA MX (second) and the Liga MX Women’s based on the general recommendations
of the Federal Government’s Health Secretariat, with whom Liga MX has
coordinated closely,” the league’s executive president said in a statement.
The suspension came into effect on Sunday night after the conclusion of
the match between America and Cruz Azul that closed the 10th round of season
and was played behind closed doors.
The closure will remain in effect “until further notice” and resumption of
activities will be determined in coordination with Mexican government health
authorities.
Measures to safeguard the health of players and fans have been steadily
ramped up over the course of several days.
As of last Wednesday, Liga MX and Ascenso MX were scheduled to carry out
their weekend matches normally with spectators in the stands. The handshakes
between players and officials was to be prohibited and no children were to
take part in pre-game ceremonies.
Two first division matches were played on Friday with spectators in the
stands before a decision was made Saturday to banish fans but go ahead with
matches.
The last time that closed-door matches were played in Mexico due to a
public health problem was during the swine flu outbreak of 2009.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 0835 hrs