Soccer-Shelter order in place at Azteca Stadium ahead of Mexico v England game

MEXICO CITY, July 5 (Reuters) - A shelter in place order was issued before ‌the Mexico v England World Cup ‌last-16 clash due to thunderstorms in the area ​around the Azteca Stadium, FIFA said on Sunday.

People working on the pitch were asked to move into the tunnel while a ‌message on the ⁠stadium screen warned that severe weather was approaching the venue.

Displays outside ⁠the venue read: "Thunderstorm activated, please take your seats."

Fans travelling to the stadium were seen ​seeking refuge ​under bridges and ​awnings.

Soccer's world governing ‌body FIFA had considered bringing the match forward but decided to maintain the original kickoff time despite concerns the weather could force further changes, a source familiar with ‌the discussions told Reuters ​on Friday.

Local media had ​also reported that ​the fixture could be moved ‌to 12:00 p.m. local ​time (1800 GMT) ​because of the weather forecast.

Mexico's round-of-32 match against Ecuador earlier this week was ​delayed due ‌to rain.

(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios ​and Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Ken ​Ferris and Ed Osmond)