The Nov. 19 NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and L.A. Rams will no longer be played at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The league announced Tuesday that the game featuring two 9-1 teams atop their respective divisions will now be played at the L.A. Coliseum because the playing surface at Estadio Azteca did not meet NFL standards. The league said in a statement, "The decision is based on the determination -- in consultation with the NFLPA and following a meeting and field inspection this afternoon by NFL and club field experts as well as local and independent outside experts -- that the playing field at Estadio Azteca does not meet NFL standards for playability and consistency and will not meet those standards by next Monday." NFL Exec VP/Int'l Mark Waller said in a statement, "We have worked extensively with our partners at Estadio Azteca for months in preparation for this game. Until very recently, we had no major concerns. But, the combination of a difficult rainy season and a heavy multi-event calendar of events at the stadium, have resulted in significant damage to the field that presents unnecessary risks to player safety and makes it unsuitable to host an NFL game." Per the NFL, details on ticket reimbursement procedures will be announced in the days ahead (NFL).
