According to Diario Esto, Mexico's main sports newspaper, Concacaf might be considering changing the host of 2003's Gold Cup and giving it to Mexico, because of security issues in the United States related to the incoming war against Iraq. They even say that the final would be in Azteca stadium. The source of the story is in New York. Here's the link in Spanish. http://www.esto.com.mx/030227/futbol/2futbol.asp
I guess it depends on whether or not you think the security would be better in Mexico when the U.S. plays. The other teams surely wouldn't be targets.
Of course they could... But why do you think Mexico (and most other Central American countries) play most of their friendlies in the US? It's where the money is. Moving the Gold Cup to Mexico would put a huge dent in the finances and make it difficult to pay all the teams their appearance money. Really, if the Mexicans could have hosted the event and made money, they probably would have by now.
Notice you haven't heard one thing about any of our domestic teams even considering cancelling any games. Basketball, etc.. And you won't hear anything about it during baseball season. If anyone would be a target here it would be domestic teams but no one is talking about that mainly because security is relatively easy for a sporting event (to actually secure) as opposed to other targets. The talk of moving, or actually moving the event, is strickly political and nothing else. We convinced the Japanese of that, I hope.
I think this is a good idea! i can see it all now, the moment we have all been waiting for. Gold Cup 2003 final mexico vs the usa in estadio azteca. 120,000 mexicans witness the usa's first win in azteca in 30 something years! the perfect moment to break the azteca curse if you ask me.
Los Angeles Spanish newspaper La Opinion carries the story today. They say that the Cup will still be played in the US (Washington, Boston and Miami) but that Mexico City will be the fouth host city (Mexico's group). Apparently this will in fact happen, according to the reporter at least, although is still not official. The FMF inicially offered to host the entire tournament but Concacaf refused. The Mexicans also wanted the final to be in Azteca stadium, but again Concacaf said no. In other words, the Mexicans would have a confirmed first round group (their group). They don't say anything about quarters or semis. Again, the link in Spanish. Sorry, couldn't find anything in English. http://www.laopinion.com/deportes/?rkey=00030227173901160249
No change in plans yet at concacaf.com http://concacaf.com/calendar/ still shows: 12-27 July 2003 USA FC Gold Cup 2003 Best bet is to wait until some official announcement... kinda like the USA v Japan game that was cancelled, right?? lol
Chances of us STILL being at war (if you could really call it that) by the time the Gold Cup roles around are nil (provided we don't begin this in the summer when the tempature in Iraq is really hot)......................I have a better chance of hooking up with Jennifer Lopez at midfield before the FA Cup Final!
It seems to be official. The first round will be in Foxboro and Miami. The 2nd in Miami and Mexico City, with Axteca hosting the final. This leaves D.C. out in the cold.