Regional governing body for football Concacaf, says it is monitoring the current situation in Los Angeles, California ahead of the Gold Cup’s opening match at Sofi Stadium this weekend.

In a statement issued earlier this week, Concacaf reassured fans, teams, and stakeholders that it is in “close and ongoing communication” with local officials to ensure the safety of all involved ahead of the tournament”.

The governing body also acknowledged the challenging environment created by the widespread demonstrations and unrest that have rocked the city following the raids.

The tournament begins on Saturday with Mexico facing the Dominican Republic, but tensions remain high across parts of the city following a series of immigration raids that sparked widespread demonstrations.
On Sunday, the city is also due to host the first of six Fifa Club World Cup matches to be played at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl over the next fortnight, with Paris St-Germain facing Atletico Madrid.

Concacaf said in a statement that , “The safety and well-being of all participants, fans, and stakeholders is the confederation’s highest priority, and we will continue to actively monitor developments in the lead-up to the opening match and throughout the tournament” .

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Reggae Boys are heading to California in preparation for their opening Gold Cup match against Guatemala on Friday at the Dignity Health Tennis Center in Carson, Los Angeles.

The Mexican national team meanwhile, has been forced to change hotels over security considerations.