Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes has been closed by local authorities due to safety regulation violations. The decision has caused a stir, especially as the stadium serves three clubs; these are Atlante FC, Club América and Cruz Azul.

Closure due to safety violations

Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes was shut down after authorities detected safety violations that could potentially endanger the health and lives of fans. Although specific reasons have not been disclosed, the closure is due to a lack of required safety certifications and issues with the stadium's infrastructure. This decision has generated considerable disruption in the sports world, casting doubt on the organization of upcoming games.

The issue is further complicated as events were planned for Saturday, November 2, at neighboring venues Ciudad de los Deportes and Plaza de Toros, which could pose risks to the safety of attendees and local residents. According to TUDN reporter Adrián Esparza, the sanctions imposed by the mayor specifically target the stadium, not the clubs playing there.

In response to the closure of Ciudad de los Deportes, Liga Expansión MX announced that the match between Atlante and Jaiba Brava would change its venue and time. The game, originally scheduled to conclude the tournament's regular phase on Sunday at 5:00 p.m., has been postponed to Monday and relocated. The match between Club América and Pachuca on November 7, corresponding to Liga MX’s 16th round, and the game three days later where Cruz Azul will host Tigres, are also in question. No official updates on the status of these matches have been provided, though Club América representatives hope that the games will proceed without the need to change venues.

© Gobierno CDMX

Reaction from competition officials and Atlante FC

Liga MX and Liga Expansión have expressed their concern about the situation, emphasizing that fan safety remains the top priority. Both organizations have pledged to support the clubs in finding alternative solutions to ensure the smooth organization of upcoming games. The league also announced further actions aimed at raising safety standards at stadiums across Mexico.

A statement released on Sunday morning by Atlante FC sheds some light on the matter: It is important to highlight that, since before the start of the current season, our club obtained all the necessary permits to hold all home matches at the Ciudad de los Deportes Stadium by complying in due time and form with all the requirements imposed by the Benito Juárez mayor's office for this purpose. Club Atlante is COMPLETELY DISAGREE with the closure of the stadium on the night of Saturday, November 2, and it is the absolute responsibility of the stadium management to resolve this conflict with the corresponding authorities.

© Frank Jasperneite