The international friendly fixture between the Spain and Mexico under-20 national teams has been officially relocated from the Estadio Alfonso Murube in Ceuta to the Estadio Cerro del Espino in Majadahonda, Madrid.
Security Concerns Force Venue Change
The move follows an official security recommendation from the National Police and the Ministry of Interior.
The match will proceed on Wednesday, September 30, at 20:30 local time (UTC+2) and will be broadcast live in Spain on Teledeporte, as confirmed by the Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF).
The fixture was originally planned as an expression of solidarity with the autonomous city following a significant influx of migrants arriving across the border from Morocco through late July.
Operational Strains and Police Advice
The General Commissary of Citizen Security issued an official report advising against hosting the event in Ceuta.
The decision cites ongoing social tension and exceptional operational demands on local security forces. Authorities continue managing thousands of arrivals housed in temporary reception centers.
The RFEF ultimately accepted the recommendation to seek an alternative venue in the Madrid region.
Preparation Camp at Las Rozas
Under the direction of head coach Paco Gallardo, the Spanish squad will assemble for training on Sunday night, September 27.
The team will utilize the facilities at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas on Monday and Tuesday prior to Wednesday’s kickoff at Majadahonda’s Cerro del Espino complex.
Championship Squad Targets World Cup
This gathering marks the first official assembly for this specific generation of players since they captured the UEFA European Under-19 Championship title in July.
The roster is composed primarily of prospects born in 2007 who are currently preparing for next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled to be held across Azerbaijan and Uzbekistán.
Federation Leadership Retreats From Initial Visit
Federation officials had previously visited Ceuta on September 4 alongside RFEF president Rafael Louzán and national team coach Luis de la Fuente to commit to staging a representative national team fixture in the city.
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