A fan died after falling from a box seat prior to Mexico’s goalless draw with Portugal on Saturday.
The two sides met at the reopening of the Estadio Azteca ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
3
However, the occasion was marred by a tragic incident ahead of kick-off as a fan fell to their death.
According to Reuters, the man had been attempting to jump from the second level of VIP box seating to the first.
Whilst climbing the exterior of the section, though, they fell to the ground.
Security at the stadium reportedly said that the man had been intoxicated.
Statement from Fiscalia CDMX
A statement from the Mexico City Public Prosecutor’s Office was subsequently released on social media.
Their statement read: “Mexico City Public Prosecutor’s Office (Fiscalía CDMX) deeply regrets the death of a person on Saturday, 28 March inside the Banorte Stadium, prior to the start of the Mexican national team’s friendly match.
“From the outset, officials from the Attorney General’s Office, forensic experts and officers from the Investigative Police attended the scene to commence the necessary investigations.
“The area was cordoned off, the scene was secured, and evidence was collected by experts specialising in criminalistics, photography and forensic medicine.
“Furthermore, analysis of CCTV footage from the stadium and its entrances is underway, as is the collection of statements from people who were at the scene, with the aim of accurately reconstructing the sequence of events and determining potential liability.
“Similarly, the statutory post-mortem procedure is currently underway to establish with certainty the cause of death, as well as the physical condition of the individual at the time of the fall.
3
“The Mexico City Public Prosecutor’s Office will continue its investigations thoroughly and will keep the public informed as relevant developments arise, in strict accordance with the principles of due process.”
The match between Mexico and Portugal went on to finish in a 0-0 draw.
It marked the reopening of the Estadio Azteca following renovation work to prepare it for the 2026 World Cup.
This summer’s tournament will see the venue become the first stadium to host matches at three separate finals.
The Estadio Azteca previously hosted the finals of the 1970 and 1986 World Cup.
As part of the redevelopment, the capacity has been increased to 90,000 along with the installation of LED screens inside the arena.
3
New dressing rooms and a new tunnel have also been added to the stadium.
The Estadio Azteca will host five matches during the World Cup, including the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11.
Group stage fixtures involving Uzbekistan and Colombia as well as Czech Republic or Denmark vs Mexico will also be held at the ground.
The stadium will host two further knockout stage matches including a round of 16 tie.
If England win their group and reach the last 16, they will play at the Estadio Azteca on July 5.
