FIFA confident in Mexico’s World Cup preparations amid violence
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has declared his “complete confidence” in Mexico’s capacity to stage World Cup matches, despite violent unrest sweeping the nation following the military’s killing of notorious drug lord Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, reports BritPanorama.
Infantino acknowledged on Tuesday that FIFA is closely monitoring developments in Mexico. “We are analyzing and monitoring the situation in Mexico these days, at this moment,” he stated. Nevertheless, he reiterated FIFA’s support for the host nation, expressing confidence in Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and local authorities: “But I want to say from the outset that we have complete confidence in Mexico, in its president, in the authorities, and we are convinced that everything will turn out for the best.”
The turmoil gripping Mexico intensified following the military’s operation that resulted in Oseguera Cervantes’s death, a key figure in the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the country’s most influential criminal organizations. His killing triggered a wave of retaliatory violence, compelling Mexican football authorities to postpone several domestic matches in recent days.
Guadalajara, scheduled to host four World Cup matches, has been under a state of emergency since Sunday. The ongoing crisis presents challenges as millions of supporters are expected to arrive for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada this summer. Mexico is set to stage 13 World Cup matches across Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey, with the tournament opener taking place in the capital on 11 June. President Sheinbaum has assured there will be “no risks” for fans attending the competition, which runs until 19 July.
Following discussions with FIFA officials, Jalisco governor Pablo Lemus affirmed that Mexico’s hosting responsibilities remain secure. Infantino highlighted upcoming events as evidence of FIFA’s commitment, referring to matches scheduled in Mexico next month and the imminent inauguration of the new Azteca Stadium. “Mexico is a great football country. Like in every country in the world, things happen; we don’t live on the moon or another planet,” he remarked, emphasizing the role of governance in maintaining order and security.
Adding to the complexities, the Portuguese football federation announced they are monitoring the “delicate situation” in Mexico ahead of a friendly match against the national team. Set for 28 March at the refurbished Azteca Stadium, this event also coincides with the World Cup opener on 11 June. The federation expressed its honour at the invitation but noted that “the recent evolution of events requires continuous evaluation of the conditions,” working closely with the Mexican football authorities to ensure safety for all involved.
In what promises to be a compelling intersection of sport and politics, the unfolding situation in Mexico reminds us of the intricacies involved in hosting global events, and how quickly the narrative can shift in the face of unrest. With the World Cup on the horizon, stakeholders will be acutely aware that confidence must be mirrored with steadfast security measures, ensuring the beautiful game remains undisturbed amid the storms of societal upheaval.
