Liga MX side Cruz Azul said in a statement that "it will not continue to play at its current home, Estadio Azul, past '18," according to MARCA. The club could then play its home games at Estadio Azteca -- its home from '71-96. It would share that stadium with Liga MX side América. The club's contract with Estadio Azul owner the Cosío family ends in '18, "when the facility could be demolished to build a commercial plaza and hotel." Cruz Azul will "reportedly not renew the stadium contract due to an increase in lease rates" (MARCA, 8/4). In Madrid, Jorge González reported the club's statement followed reports of the possible demolition of the stadium in '18. Cruz Azul said in the statement, "The Estadio Azul is not the property of Cruz Azul, but it has been rented since its move in 1996. In the event that the owners take a decision regarding the stadium, we are available to support them." If left without a stadium, Cruz Azul "will look for a new option to rent, or even the construction of a new stadium, as long as it remains in Mexico City" (AS, 8/3).
