Mexico City, Mexico – An enthusiastic Golden Jaguars contingent suffered a slight disappointment in preparation for their clash versus Mexico, as they were denied the chance to train at the Estadio Azteca Thursday evening.
According to FIFA regulations, both teams were allocated one hour training sessions at the ground. The home side had theirs Thursday morning from 10-11am while the Golden Jaguars were scheduled to train from 6:15 – 7:15pm.
However, on arriving at the venue, the team’s joy was squashed as the players saw the outfield of the historic venue under covers due to heavy afternoon rainfall.
They players were subsequently informed by the Mexican FA and FIFA officials that they could not use the venue and they were moved to the nearby Centro de Capacitacion ground.
That venue, unlike the Azteca, did not have lights so the team’s session was cut short to 45 minutes.
A high ranking official who wished to remain anonymous stated that it was part of FIFA regulation that on the day before a game, if rain falls, training could not take place at the venue.
National coach Jamaal Shabazz, in light of the events stated: “Of course we are disappointed we couldn’t get the use the ground here but I have told the boys at all our team meetings to expect strange things to happen and in some way although it’s understandable, we still managed a good session this evening.”
