Mexican federation bans fans from 176 pro games this weekend _ down to 3rd division

Swine flu causes Mexico fan ban at soccer matches

MEXICO CITY — The Mexican Football Federation says all pro soccer games in Mexico this weekend will be played without fans in an effort to slow the spread of swine flu.

The ban announced Wednesday covers 176 matches in all divisions, including nine top division matches to 115 matches in the third division. Last weekend, three first division games were played without fans.

The move by the federation comes as a Central American youth basketball tournament was canceled Wednesday because of the swine flu outbreak.