Every year the NFL schedules numerous games to be played internationally as a way for the NFL to connect with their international fans who are unable to typically attend NFL games. This year the NFL scheduled three games overseas in London, and one game in Mexico. The international game in Mexico features the two most prominent teams in the NFL as the Kansas City Chiefs (9-1) take on the Los Angeles Rams (9-1). The game is considered to be the game of the year in the NFL as it features the top two scoring offenses in the NFL as the Chiefs average an astounding 35.3 points a game while the Rams average a close 33.5 points a game. Unfortunately for the fans of Mexico the game was moved to Los Angeles six days prior due to poor field conditions on the Estadio Azteca field. The status of the November 19th Monday Night Football game caused a lot of controversy for both players and fans for different reasons.

After seeing pictures of the recent field conditions both multiple players stated they would sit out the game if it were to be played at the Estadio Azteca field in Mexico as the conditions of the field were unplayable.

Fans in Mexico were upset as they bought tickets and looked forward to this game all year for it to be moved only six days prior to being played. This makes you wonder if there was a miscommunication between Mexico officials and the NFL on the use of the field prior to the game as the field is also used for soccer.  Mark Waller, NFL executive vice president of international stated, “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.” (Bleacher Report) 

The NFL should have looked for other possible locations in Mexico rather than moving the game to Los Angeles as the game now goes from a field condition in Mexico to an air quality condition in Los Angeles due to the current forest fires. Regardless  in the future the NFL should look to schedule international games on quality fields and have a back up location in the same country in order to prevent this from happening as it is unfair to international fans.