Chivas match vs Cruz Azul to be played without fans at Akron Stadium due to sanctions for violence

The Disciplinary Commission rejected the appeal filed by Club Guadalajara, meaning Saturday's Matchday 13 game against Cruz Azul will be played behind closed doors. This decision follows the violent incidents on March 8, when a fan of the Rojiblanco team threw a bottle that cut América player Kevin Álvarez's leg.

In an official statement, Estadio Akron announced that it will become the first venue in the country with more than 200 surveillance cameras connected to the C5 system to report incidents in real time.

The venue will increase its surveillance cameras from 166 to 366.

The measures come to Estadio Akron after repeated incidents of violence, as the venue was already sanctioned last season for the same reason. With just a year until the start of the 2026 World Cup, where the stadium will host four matches, the Chivas management does not want to create more problems for FIFA and the organizers.

Chivas intended to play the match against Cruz Azul with a limited capacity, to allow access to season ticket holders and suite owners. However, despite identifying the aggressor, the sanction of a one-match ban with no public attendance remained in place.

"The Mexican Football Federation informs that after reviewing the appeal filed by Club Guadalajara, the sanction imposed on March 14 has been confirmed, corresponding to a one-match ban for Estadio Akron. The sanction will be effective for the Matchday 13 game of the Clausura 2025 Tournament, Chivas vs. Cruz Azul."

El Rebaño returns from the FIFA break after being eliminated from the Champions Cup by América and drawing 1-1 with FC Juárez in Matchday 12 of the Clausura 2025. Gerardo Espinoza's team is not in its best form, and now they will have to face Cruz Azul with their fans supporting them from their televisions.

The club is in 10th place in the tournament with 16 points, and their spot in the Play-in is at risk if they do not secure a positive result this Saturday.