Fifa give update on potentially moving the World Cup as cartel violence explodes in Mexico
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.
Speaking on Tuesday, the head of football’s global governing body acknowledged that FIFA is closely watching developments.
“We are analyzing and monitoring the situation in Mexico these days, at this moment,” Infantino stated.
However, he emphasised unwavering support for the host nation: “But I want to say from the outset that we have complete confidence in Mexico, in its president [Claudia] Sheinbaum, in the authorities, and we are convinced that everything will turn out for the best.”
The turmoil gripping Mexico was triggered when armed forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, who led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the country’s most formidable criminal organisations heavily involved in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States.
His death prompted widespread retaliatory violence, forcing Mexican football authorities to postpone several domestic fixtures in recent days.
Guadalajara, situated in Jalisco state and scheduled to host four World Cup matches, has been operating under a state of emergency since Sunday.
The turmoil gripping Mexico was triggered when armed forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, who led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the country’s most formidable criminal organisations heavily involved in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States
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The crisis comes mere months before millions of supporters are expected to arrive for the tournament, which is being jointly hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada this summer.
Mexico is set to stage 13 World Cup fixtures across Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey, with the tournament opener taking place in the capital on 11 June.
President Sheinbaum has insisted there will be “no risks” for supporters attending the competition, which runs until 19 July.
Winners of the last five World Cup finals | PA
Following discussions with FIFA officials, Jalisco governor Pablo Lemus confirmed that Mexico’s hosting duties remain secure.
Infantino pointed to upcoming events as evidence of continued commitment: “We have some matches in Mexico in a month, the World Cup playoffs, and the new Azteca Stadium will also be inaugurated.”
He added: “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.
“That’s why we have governments, police, and authorities who will ensure order and security.”
Some of the aftermath of the cartel violence and blockades and arson in Mexico | REUTERS
Portugal’s football federation announced on Tuesday that it is monitoring “the delicate situation currently unfolding in Mexico” ahead of a scheduled friendly against Javier Aguirre’s side.
The match is planned for 28 March at the refurbished Azteca Stadium, the same venue that will host the World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa on 11 June.
The Portuguese federation stated it was honoured by the invitation but noted that “the recent evolution of events requires continuous evaluation of the conditions.”
It confirmed it would follow guidance from the Portuguese government whilst maintaining close communication with Mexican football officials. Meanwhile, Mexico are due to play Iceland in Queretaro on Wednesday, with coach Aguirre confirming the federation has assured all attendees will be safe.
