There are growing concerns that next month’s FIFA Inter-continental qualifiers involving Jamaica – to book two more tickets to July’s World Cup – could be relocated from Guadalajara in Mexico amid violent unrest in sections of the country.

Violence broke out in the North American country on Sunday following the killing of Nemesio Oseguera, the 59-year-old leader of the violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel, resulting in dozens of flights being cancelled and travel advisories for Mexico being issued by the US and Canadian governments to their citizens.

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz are among six teams that have a last gasp chance of qualifying for the World Cup to be staged in Mexico, Canada and the USA in a mini-tournament to be played from March 23 to 31 at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara and Estadio BBVA in Monterrey.

Jamaica’ game against Oceana team New Caledonia is slated to be played at the Estadio Akron on March 26 and sources in Mexico told Observer Online on Sunday that initial talks have been held over whether to relocate the match.

“There is no 100% confirmation or official information suggesting that the playoff match will be moved,” a source said. “However, after speaking with FIFA sources who are very closely involved with World Cup-related matters, I was told that the main concern right now is precisely the playoff, given how soon it is — just about a month away.”

According to international media reports, at least 10 police officers have been killed and several roads were blocked in response to the killing of the reputed cartel leader, popularly known as ‘El Mencho’, by the Mexican military.

-Paul A Reid