National Stadium closed

Jamaica’s crucial World Cup semi-final round qualifier against Mexico, which was scheduled for the National Stadium on Saturday, will now take place at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.



The decision was made yesterday after the stadium was ordered closed because of damage done to the playing surface from the severe flooding caused by Tropical Storm Gustav last week.



Jamaica will now host the second leg at the National Stadium on October 11, starting at 1 p.m. in the afternoon.



Captain Horace Burrell, president of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), said the Federation of International Football Association approved the change yesterday, following a telephone discussion with its vice president Jack Warner.



He further said the devastation caused by the Tropical Storm to significant infrastructure of the country, and the dislocation of residents in numerous communities would prove extremely challenging for the country to stage any major sporting event at the venue.



Restoration work is expected to start at the National Stadium shortly and Burrell said the facility should be ready in a few weeks.



Following the first-leg encounter in Mexico, the Reggae Boyz will then travel to San Pedro Sula to take on hosts Honduras on Wednesday, September 10.



Jamaica have so far earned a point from their away draw to Canada in the four-team Group ‘B’ playoff.



Mexico lead the group with maximum three points following a 2-1 victory over Honduras.