Portugal’s football association has reported that they are closely watching the security unrest in Mexico as the National team is set to play a friendly with Mexico on March 28 in the world-famous Estadio Azteca.
The match will be the reopening of the historic stadium and the venue that will host three World Cup matches by 2026. That said, the post-military operation killing of a cartel leader, leading to more than 20 Mexican states being put under a state of emergency, has raised concerns about safety in the area.
The Portuguese federation declared in a release that the players’ and fans’ safety is their “absolute priority, “ and that they would consult the Portuguese government and the Mexican Football Federation before making any decision.
Mexico was quick to respond by issuing a joint statement stressing that the date and venue were unchanged and reaffirming the desire to go ahead as planned from both federations.
In the meantime, Gianni Infantino has shown great trust in Mexican authorities and President Claudia Sheinbaum and revealed that FIFA is still very much on top of the situation and working with the parties involved.
The event is going ahead for now; nonetheless, the increasing safety concerns have created doubt over what was meant to be a historic and joyous event.
