'Unfairly impacts supporters' - América vs Pachuca to be played behind closed doors after government ruling, with strong opposition from América and Liga MX

One of the marquee matches of the Liga MX weekend will be played without fans. Local authorities in Mexico City ruled that Saturday night's América vs. Pachuca clash at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes must take place behind closed doors, citing security concerns.

The decision came after the local government alleged that América’s security personnel had blocked public access near the venue, which led to complications for a resident in need of medical attention.

Officials said such actions compromised safety and announced that “no public events will be allowed until the club proves its security staff are properly trained and certified.”

Club América quickly rejected the allegations, issuing a statement that blamed the street closures on Mexico City police, not the club.

“América does not have its own security authority,” the club said in a statement. “The closures were part of the city’s security plan, carried out by local police. We call on authorities to rectify this arbitrary decision that directly harms our fans.”

Speaking to Claro Sports, club executive Héctor González Iñárritu reiterated América’s position.

“We have nothing to do with street closures or traffic measures around the stadium. Those are entirely the responsibility of local authorities," he said. "To say otherwise is completely false.”

Unless the decision is overturned, América-Pachuca - set to kick off at 11:05 pm. ET on Saturday - will go ahead without fans in attendance.

Liga MX also voiced support for América, labeling the move “an overreach” and urging the government to reverse course. 

“Without a prior hearing or due process, a unilateral sanction has been imposed that unfairly impacts supporters,” the league wrote.