Related to the violence on 22 February Murder of cartel Jalisco Nueva Generation leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes Protests erupted throughout Mexico, leading to retaliation across the country in which vehicles were burned, roads were blocked and vandalism was committed.
Professional football was affected due to postponed matches amid unrest following a shootout between the Mexican military and cartels. In the men’s top flight, Liga MX‘S queretaro versus fc juarez was suspendedAs was the women’s top-flight rivalry game Shivaj versus America.
can FIFA World Cup Follow the game?
Against the backdrop of major tournaments being co-hosted by Mexico this summer, as well as a group of qualifiers beginning in late March, questions have arisen over the safety of fans who will soon be visiting the country’s tournament venues Monterrey, Mexico City and Guadalajara.
As of Sunday, signs suggest that order is being restored and football is returning. Mexico They host Iceland in a sold-out friendly at the Estadio Corregidora on Wednesday. In front of a crowd of over 30,000, and with no immediate reports of issues, the home side claimed Great win 4-0 Because they continued preparing for the World Cup.
However, apprehensions and questions remain after the recent violent scenes.
What happened in Mexico?
Mexican forces (with the help of US intelligence) took part in a special operation in Jalisco on Sunday, killing Oseguera Cervantes, about two hours southwest of Guadalajara, the World Cup host city. Most Wanted Fugitives of the US State Department. More than 70 people, mainly Mexican National Guard members and criminal suspects, killed during conflict between two groups.
Mexico’s Foreign Ministry said this No foreigners were injured.
Responding to their leader’s attack and as a show of force, cartel members burned vehicles, blocked roads and vandalized businesses across the country – much of it concentrated in Jalisco – as locals remained indoors for their own safety.
Some airlines issued travel advisories for airports in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, a city that suffered after a prison riot. Report of a car ramming the facility’s doors.. In a warning to citizens visiting or staying in the country, the US Embassy announced Americans should seek shelter in several Mexican states.
By Wednesday, as the turmoil subsided, the US government said Citizens should “resume standard levels of precaution” Also paid attention to keeping an eye on local media for updates.
What did local leaders and FIFA say?
On the same day as Oseguera Cervantes’ death, those in charge of Mexican football postponed four matches in Liga MX, Liga MX Femenil and the men’s second division Ascenso MX.
Later on Monday, ESPN sources said FIFA was asking for details about the security situation In the country. The governing body was reportedly closely monitoring events, particularly in the Jalisco capital of Guadalajara, which will host four World Cup matches and two qualifiers in March.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus dismissed the concerns on Tuesday.
“There is absolutely no chance. No two playoff matches or four World Cup matches,” The governor spoke about whether FIFA would intend to take away the games from Guadalajara after speaking to an organization representative. Lemus later said, “FIFA has no intention of stripping Mexico of any host site.”
After a few days of cartel-related violence, FIFA President Gianni Infantino supported the country.
“Of course, we are monitoring the situation in Mexico these days, but I want to say from the beginning that we have full confidence in Mexico, its President Claudia Sheinbaum and the authorities,” Infantino said. “We are confident that everything will run as smoothly as possible.”
Sheinbaum believes there will be no safety issues this summer.
“All guarantees, all guarantees. There are none.” [security] risk,” the president said.
As of Tuesday, an ESPN source said there were no updates or further information regarding a possible change in World Cup venues.
What’s next for Mexico? Are visiting nations concerned?
At the time of writing, Wednesday’s international friendly in Querétaro went ahead smoothly without any security problems. Before the 4–0 win over Iceland, Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said that, despite previous turmoil, The federation ensured that everyone would be safe In a sold out match.
“We are sensitive to the current situation,” Aguirre said before the victory. “But people [Mexico Football Federation] I have been assured that everyone will be safe.
“We’re here. We’re very calm, relaxed, training, we talk about the game… That’s the message I can send to the fans as a football coach.”
It was a good early sign as Mexico attempts to move forward, but others, such as some of the countries on tour next month, are keeping a close eye on what happens in the wake of cartel violence.
Just weeks before a high-profile match at Mexico City’s historic Estadio Azteca (recently renamed Estadio Banorte), portugalThe federation announced this It was “closely monitoring the delicate situation currently unfolding” in the country..
“The Portuguese Football Federation emphasizes that the safety of the players, coaching staff and fans is an absolute priority and is the main criterion for all assessments and decisions regarding the organization of the match,” it said.
Jamaica Federation president Michael Ricketts was honest about his feelings before heading to Guadalajara next month for the interconfederation playoffs, which will determine World Cup qualification.
He said, “The games are at the end of March, so we still have another month to see what happens; but to be honest, it’s making me very nervous.” “We will listen to CONCACAF and FIFA to provide direction [on] “Whether they’re playing the game or they’re immediately looking for other options.”
As of now, no matches have been taken away from the country and all signs currently point towards Mexico and its three host cities remaining in the World Cup picture. But things will undoubtedly be kept under close control going forward.
