1.
GV PAN Exterior of Aztec stadium, Mexico City.
0.13

2.
GV PAN Interior of Aztec stadium.
0.24

3.
GV FIFA Committee inspecting facilities. (4 SHOTS)
0.43

4.
GV PAN Olympic stadium, Mexico City.
0.50

5.
GV PAN Interior, with inspection by FIFA committee. (2 SHOTS)
1.00




Initials MN/JRS



SPORT: SOCCER

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Senior officials from the world's governing football organisation, FIFA (International Federation of Football Association) toured sports venues in Mexico City on April 12 to determine the city's ability to host the 1986 World Cup tournament. The Aztec and Olympic arenas were among a total of 12 stadia the officials were scheduled to inspect. The original host country, Colombia, withdrew, and last month FIFA's special committee said they would inspect only grounds in Mexico, despite requests from Canada and United States. The official news agency Notimex, said the visiting officials announcement effectively squashed any hopes for holding the tournament in North America. Although the final decision still has to be ratified by FIFA's executive committee in Stockholm on May 20. Mexico previously staged a 16-nation World Cup event 13 years ago, and if it holds the next tournament, will play host to 23 other nations. As holders, Mexico would automatically qualify for the final rounds.