Remainder of U-17s canceled, Champions League decider postponed due to swine flu concern

April 28, 2009

NEW YORK –Due to the growing concerns about the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico, CONCACAF General Secretary Chuck Blazer announced Monday that the remainder of the confederation’s Under-17 Championship in Tijuana has been cancelled and the second leg of the Champions League finals has been postponed.

Mexican authorities previously had closed schools in Mexico City and on Monday extended that decision nationwide. Based on the actions of the Mexican government, CONCACAF responded to safeguard the health of players, officials and fans.

Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico and the United States all had clinched berths the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and were to play the semifinals on Wednesday with the championship and third-place match scheduled for Saturday. The four semifinalists will advance to the U-17 World Cup in Nigeria October 24-November 15.

The second leg of the Champions League finals between Cruz Azul and Atlante FC was to be played Wednesday in Cancun, but that game now will be delayed until Tuesday, May 12 at 9 p.m. local (10 p.m. EDT). Atlante leads the two-leg title series 2-0 from its opening win in Mexico City on Wednesday.

The CONCACAF Beach Championship in Puerto Vallarta, scheduled to begin Wednesday and continue through Sunday, is under review with a final decision expected Tuesday.

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