U.S.-Mexico Friendly Canceled Over Spanish TV Rights

Disagreement Over Spanish TV Rights Grounds U.S.-Mexico Match

A September 9 U.S.-Mexico soccer match in Mexico City was canceled as a result of a “disagreement over Spanish-language television rights for the U.S. broadcast of the match,” according to sources cited by Mark Zeigler of the SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE.  While "contractual and financial considerations” were given as the official reason for the cancellation, Zeigler notes Mexico has a multi-year deal with Telemundo, while the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) is “aligned with rival Univision.” In an August 1 press release announcing the game, the USSF said Univision would carry the Spanish-language telecast. Telemundo “protested, the Mexican federation couldn’t sort it out and the game was abandoned.” The U.S. will instead play Brazil at Soldier Field on September 9 (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 8/14).