Mexican team banned from football tournament

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THE HAGUE, May 8, 2009 (AFP) - A Mexican team has been told to stay away from a youth football tournament in the Netherlands for fear of swine flu.

"We just do not want to take any unnecessary risks," said tournament director Rob Gudden.

"We are hoping to have 5,000 spectators each day and they need to be assured of their safety," he added.

Ten teams were to have taken part in the annual youth tournament in Terborg from May 22-24 notably from Australia, Egypt and Britain as well as the Chivas Guadalajara team from Mexico.

Organisers said they were seeking a team to replace the Mexicans.