Mexican withdrawal could lead to further rupture

MEXICO CITY (AP) -The forced withdrawal of two Mexican clubs from the Copa Libertadores could lead to a rupture in relations between CONCACAF - the governing body of football in North and Central American and the Caribbean - and the governing body in South America, CONMEBOL.

Mexican clubs Chivas Guadalajara and San Luis withdrew from the Copa Libertadores last week after their round-of-16 opponents from South America declined to play in Mexico following the swine flu outbreak. CONMEBOL runs the tournament.

"In light of Mexico's withdrawal from the Copa Libertadores, the Executive Committee directed General Secretary Chuck Blazer to assess the current situation with CONMEBOL competitions to determine whether continued participation by CONCACAF was desirable. He is to evaluate and take the necessary steps to either end the relationship or correct it,'' CONCACAF said in a statement.

The Mexican Football Federation also said its teams were dropping out of other tournaments organized by the South Americans - the Copa Sudamerica for clubs, and the Copa America, the continental championship for national teams.

Mexican clubs have regularly participated in both South American club championships, and the Mexican national team has been a fixture in the Copa America.

Clubs from the United States and Costa Rica have played in the Copa Sudamerica, and national teams from the U.S., Costa Rica and Honduras have made guest appearances in the Copa America.

CONMEBOL has 10 members, including powerful federations in Brazil and Argentina.

CONCACAF has 40 members - including Mexico, Canada and the United States - but the vast majority are smaller nations of Central America and the Caribbean.