Despite the wave of violence unleashed after the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”, FIFA president Gianni Infantino assured that the World Cup scheduled for this summer in Mexico is still on and no change of venue is being considered.
Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco Cartel – New Generation, died during an operation by the Mexican Army to capture him. The event triggered several days of violence in different regions of the country, particularly in the state of Jalisco, where – according to official figures – at least 70 people are said to have lost their lives in clashes and riots.
Infantino: “Nobody has to move anything”
The FIFA president was clear in supporting the organisation of the tournament on Mexican soil. In comments reported by the Miami Herald, the official stressed that FIFA maintains constant communication with the government headed by Claudia Sheinbaum.
No one has to move anything. We are in constant contact with the presidency of Mexico and the authorities. We have full confidence in the Mexican authorities
The official added that while the situation is being closely monitored, the world governing body is confident that both the World Cup and the qualifying matches will go ahead without a hitch. These include matches scheduled for next month at the Estadio Akron, located in Guadalajara, one of the cities most affected by the recent episodes of violence.
Infantino also appealed to the country’s soccer roots: “Mexico is a soccer country. The authorities and the people will do everything possible to ensure that the World Cup is a celebration of soccer”.
Guadalajara in the spotlight
The city of Guadalajara, capital of Jalisco, is scheduled to host four matches during this summer’s World Cup, putting it in the international spotlight. However, the recent violence has already impacted the national sporting calendar: at least four local soccer matches were postponed last Sunday for security reasons.
President Sheinbaum offered “all the guarantees” for the World Cup to take place and assured that “there is no risk” for fans planning to attend.
International concern
Not everyone shares FIFA’s optimism. From the Caribbean, the Jamaica Football Federation expressed concern about the situation. Jamaica is scheduled to play a playoff match on March 26 on Mexican soil, and its president, Michael Ricketts, acknowledged his nervousness.
We still have a month to see what happens, but honestly, it makes me very nervous
He said, adding that they will be attentive to the decisions of CONCACAF and FIFA in case it is necessary to look for alternative venues.
At the local level, there are also critical voices. Hugo Alejandro Perez, a resident of Guadalajara, expressed his disagreement with the organization of the event in the midst of the crisis: “We have so many problems, and they want to invest in the World Cup? With so much violence, it’s not a good idea,” he told Associated Press.
A World Cup under scrutiny
While FIFA maintains its stance of confidence and the Mexican government reaffirms that there are conditions to guarantee security, the current context places Mexico under international scrutiny.
The ball is still scheduled to roll, but stability in the coming weeks will be key to ensuring that the World Cup is not only played, but lives up to its promise of being a true footballing feast.
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