The NFL will not be traveling out of the country anytime soon. The traditional games held in London or Mexico this year are canceled according to NFL Commish Roger Goodell.
The league will play entirely in the U.S. in 2020 over coronavirus concerns.
“After considerable analysis, we believe the decision to play all our games domestically this season is the right one for our players, our clubs, and all our fans in the US, Mexico and UK,” NFL exec Christopher Halpin said.
The Shield had planned to play one game in Mexico City and four games in London this season. However, Goodell and league officials said Monday those scheduled contests are canceled.
“We greatly appreciate the support of our governmental and stadium partners in Mexico and the United Kingdom, who all agree with this decision, and we look forward to returning for games in both countries in the 2021 season,” said Halpin.
The Dolphins, Cardinals, Falcons and Jaguars had all committed to playing the international games. Those games will now revert back to the teams’ respective home stadiums.
“The NFL’s London Games have become a major part of the NFL season. Also, the UK sports calendar,” NFL UK exec Alistair Kirkwood said. “There is uncertainty in the current sporting landscape. There are tremendous amount of long-term travel and planning required. To stage successful London Games mean this is the sensible decision to make.”
Not the best news on Cinco de Mayo fro Mexico as the novel coronavirus pandemic has been brutal on sports.
