The ban stretches from nine top division matches to 12 first division A games, 40 in the second division and 115 in the third. It is a giant step from last weekend when only three first division games were played behind closed doors.

To give fans something to watch, at least six top division matches will be available on free channels. Normally, those matches are seen only on pay-for-view TV.

The move by the Mexican Football Federation comes as a Central American youth basketball tournament was canceled Wednesday because of the swine flu outbreak in Mexico.

FIBA Americas, the governing body of basketball in the region, said an under-16 tournament set for June 3-7 would be moved to a venue in Central America. It did not specify where.

The fear of swine flu is altering daily life in Mexico with almost everyone wearing masks, families hunkered down at home, and many restaurants selling only takeout meals.

Weekend Mexican soccer matches are local fiestas, more like market squares with food-sellers hawking snacks and fans decked out in colorful team jerseys with cold drinks flowing on the sun-drenched terraces inside the stadiums.

"It's pretty strange not to go to the stadium with my family, because this is part of our culture to go and support your team," said Sergio Galindo, a 30-year-old lawyer in the northeastern city of Monterrey and a Rayados season-ticket holder.

Rayados plays at home Saturday against Mexico City club America in the top league.

"I understand the games are going to be on TV in bars and restaurants," Galindo said. "Because of the flu scare, we'll watch at home with a barbecue or something—but really, it's not the same. The game against America is one of the most important of the season. I imagine this is going to hit the club hard on the economic front."

Mexican officials are suggesting clubs will lose about $2 million this weekend in ticket sales—the primary revenue source for all teams. Losses to food vendors, parking attendants and stadium employees is tough to calculate, but could match the losses in ticket sales.

Concern is also growing in South America.

CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American soccer, expressed its concern Wednesday with the situation in Mexico. One Mexican club, San Luis, has already qualified for the final 16 of the Copa Libertadores—the continental club championship. Chivas of Guadalajra could also make the last 16.

In a written message to the Mexican federation, CONMEBOL president Nicolas Leoz has asked for health guarantees for any Mexican club playing in South America.

"We ask what measures you will take in such a delicate situation to safeguard the physical health of athletes, coaches and team officials," Leoz said, calling the situation in Mexico "grave."

Play in the final 16 of the Copa Libertadores begins May 6. Venues for the matches won't be determined until group play ends this week.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.