FIFA blocks US from training at Loftus Versfeld Stadium ahead of game against Algeria

FIFA blocks US from training at Loftus Versfeld

IRENE, South Africa — FIFA told the U.S. Soccer Federation on Sunday that the American team can’t train at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday ahead of the game against Algeria the following day.

“They’re protecting the pitch,” team spokesman Michael Kammarman said Sunday.

Algeria also was barred from practiving there.

The United States will advance to the second round with a win, while Algeria also has a chance to move on if it wins.

Chile and Switzerland were denied permission to train on the rain-damaged Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium pitch in Port Elizabeth.

FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot said the decision is “a preventive measure to protect the pitch” before Monday’s Group H match.

The field was damaged after heavy rain waterlogged the surface last week. Heat lamps were used then to help dry a shaded section of the pitch.

Germany and Serbia also were denied practice time in the stadium before their match last Friday.