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The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) has cancelled its Women's Under-17 Championship after at least 25 people were killed in violent protests across the host country of Nicaragua.
In a statement, CONCACAF said it took the decision to protect the safety and security of all those involved in the tournament, which began last Thursday (April 19)
Nicaragua has been plunged into crisis in recent days following widespread violence and looting amid a backlash to President Daniel Ortega's planned changes to social security, which have since been scrapped.
At least 25 people have died, including a journalist shot while reporting on the scenes live in the city of Bluefields on the country's Caribbean coast.
It is thought around 100 people have been injured in the clashes, which protestors claim is the fault of police and armed forces.
The violence has forced the CONCACAF to call a halt to the competition in the country.
"The Confederation has taken the decision to cancel the remainder of the tournament following vigilant monitoring of the situation and in close coordination with the Nicaraguan Football Federation and local authorities."
The event also serves as a qualifier for the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup in Uruguay,from November 13 to December 1.
