A wave of violence is engulfing Mexico, raising doubts about whether the country will be able to host the FIFA World Cup. The concerns are not about infrastructure or economic capacity, but about security. The event will bring together thousands of fans, and both federations and sponsors are demanding guarantees that fans, players, coaching staff, and everyone else can return home safe and sound.
Last Sunday, February 22, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho,” was killed in a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, very close to Guadalajara, the city that will host four World Cup matches. Following the incident, various groups affiliated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, the criminal organization led by Oseguera, expressed their discontent by burning vehicles, blocking highways, and sowing terror in various areas not only of Jalisco, but also in other states such as Michoacán, Tamaulipas, Quintana Roo, Colima, Aguascalientes, the State of Mexico, and more.
The news of the killing of “El Mencho” and its impact on the country has made headlines worldwide. This is not only because one of the world’s most powerful drug lords was killed, but also because of the World Cup. According to media outlets like Latinus, sponsors have expressed their concerns to FIFA and demanded that Mexico provide security guarantees. If this cannot be done, they are asking that the country withdraw as host of the tournament. These concerns have existed for some time, but the events of last Sunday exacerbated them.
The German tourism coordinator, Christoph Ploss, also expressed his concern and requested guarantees for the safety of German fans. “FIFA, in cooperation with the governments of Canada, the United States, and Mexico, must guarantee that fans are not in danger and that the host countries comply with security standards,” the official said.
Despite the wave of violence and the international community’s dismay, authorities in both Mexico and FIFA maintain that there will be no change and the country will remain one of the host countries for the next World Cup. “Very calm, everything is fine. It’s going to be spectacular,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “We have complete confidence in Mexico, in its president [Claudia] Sheinbaum. We are in regular contact with the presidency and the authorities and we are monitoring the situation.”
Claudia Sheinbaum, the president of Mexico, also addressed the issue in her morning press conference last Tuesday, February 24. When asked about the guarantees in place for the nation to host the World Cup, she replied, “There are all the guarantees.”
Football is a sport that brings joy to millions of people around the world, and the World Cup is its biggest celebration. However, before any match, celebration, or tournament, the safety of both home and visiting fans is paramount. The saying goes, “Football is the most important of the least important things,” and in this case, there are many things that are more important than the sport.
Source: hollywoodreporter
