FIFA president Gianni Infantino insists he has ‘complete confidence’ in Mexico’s ability to host World Cup games – despite cartel violence ripping through the country.
Chaos has engulfed Mexico in recent days after the army killed one of the world’s most notorious drug lords, Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes.
That sparked a wave of retaliation across the country and forced the country’s soccer federation to postpone a number of games over recent days.
The unrest comes just months before millions of fans descend on the US, Mexico and Canada for this summer’s tournament. Mexico is slated to host 13 games across three cities – Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey – including the curtain raiser in Mexico City on June 11.
But amid fears for fans’ safety Infantino said on Tuesday that soccer’s global governing body is ‘convinced everything will turn out for the best.’
‘We are analyzing and monitoring the situation in Mexico these days, at this moment,’ the FIFA president said.
Gianni Infantino said he has ‘complete confidence’ in Mexico’s ability to host World Cup games this summer
Violence broke out after drug lord Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes was killed
Akron Stadium in Guadalajara is slated to host four games at this summer’s tournament
‘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.
‘From my side, and from FIFA’s side, I have absolute confidence in President Sheinbaum.
‘We are in regular contact with the Presidency and the authorities, and we are, in any case, monitoring the situation. The World Cup is going to be an incredible celebration.’
His confidence was echoed by Sheinbaum, who claimed there would be ‘no risks’ for fans at the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19.
Mexico is slated to face Iceland in a friendly in Queretaro – north of Mexico City – on Wednesday and coach Javier Aguirre said the country’s federation has promised everyone will be safe at the game.
But Guadalajara – which is due to host four World Cup games – has been under a state of emergency since Sunday. Guadalajara is in the state of Jalisco and governor Pablo Lemus said after meeting with FIFA that there is no chance of Mexico losing its host status.
‘We have some matches in Mexico in a month, the World Cup playoffs, and the new Azteca Stadium will also be inaugurated,’ Infantino said.
‘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.’
Oseguera Cervantes was the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)
Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum said there would be ‘no risks’ for fans at the World Cup
Oseguera Cervantes was the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most powerful drug cartels that plays a key role in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl to the US.
On Tuesday, meanwhile the Portuguese soccer federation said it was monitoring the ‘the delicate situation currently unfolding in Mexico’ ahead of next month’s friendly against Aguirre’s team.
The World Cup warmup match is scheduled for March 28 at the renovated Azteca Stadium, which will host the opening match of the World Cup between Mexico and South Africa on June 11.
The Portuguese federation said it was honored by the invitation but that ‘the recent evolution of events requires continuous evaluation of the conditions.’
It said it will follow the recommendations of the Portuguese government and will be in close contact with the Mexican soccer federation.
