"We're sensitive to the current situation. The people at the FMF [Mexico Football Federation] have assured me that everyone will be safe. We're here. We're very calm, relaxed, training, we talk about sports. That's the message I can send to the fans as a football coach."
"On Sunday, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed 'El Mencho' and the leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, was killed, causing backlash in the country that led to the postponement of Queretaro and Juarez FC, and Chivas vs. America in Liga MX Femenil. Following the death of the leader, cartel members blocked roads and burned vehicles in nearly a dozen states across Mexico."
"Ahead of the World Cup that will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada this summer, sources told ESPN Mexico that FIFA has requested reports from the Latin American country on their security situation. ESPN sources added that as of now there's no indication Mexico will lose the rights to host the World Cup."
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre confirmed the Mexico vs. Iceland friendly will proceed Wednesday in Queretaro despite security concerns following the death of cartel leader El Mencho on Sunday. The killing triggered cartel retaliation across Mexico, including road blockades and vehicle fires in multiple states, prompting postponements of Liga MX matches. The Mexican Football Federation assured Aguirre of safety protocols for the 30,000-capacity crowd. Aguirre emphasized focusing on sports and maintaining calm. A planned Portugal friendly on March 28 is under evaluation by the Portuguese federation. FIFA has requested security reports from Mexico ahead of the World Cup co-hosting this summer, though no indication exists that Mexico will lose hosting rights.
#mexico-football-security #cartel-violence #international-friendly-match #world-cup-hosting #fifa-security-protocols
Read at ESPN.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]