Mark Lawn has hit back at suggestions that next week's Mexican trip is nothing more than a free holiday.

Lawn flies out to Mexico City on Monday to discuss plans for a possible academy link-up between the club and a private school in the area.

As for people saying that David and I are going on our jollies, the one place I wouldn't go on my holiday is Mexico City. It is one of the most polluted cities in the world

But Lawn insists there could be a real long-term benefit for the club's coffers.

Talking to the Telegraph & Argus he said: "People have got the wrong end of the stick over this. This academy isn't to look for players but a commercial venture to brand Bradford City's name over there.

"It could earn us money and raise our awareness in that area. I'm not saying we won't get a player from there eventually but it's not about that - we're not looking to build a team full of Mexicans.

"As for people saying that David and I are going on our jollies, the one place I wouldn't go on my holiday is Mexico City. It is one of the most polluted cities in the world.

"This is a pure business venture and I'm missing the two games in Scotland, which I'm not happy about."

Although no discussions have taken place so far, Lawn believes City can do more to promote their name much further afield and cash in on football's global domination.

"I don't think the Bradford City brand has been used enough," he said. "We've got a very strong brand, an excellent stadium and great support and I think we can put it out there in the commercial market.

"Nothing has happened so far. They have invited us over to talk to them and are paying all our expenses so there is no harm in looking.

"I'm also talking to someone who may be interested in a similar project in North America and Canada.

"It wouldn't make us any profit within the first year but you have to run pilot schemes at first to get the teething problems out of the way.

"It would be great if we could reach marketplaces that hopefully in the long term will bring in money that we can strengthen the squad with."