Violence and deaths in Mexico, months before the World Cup, has put pressure on FIFA to take action – and president Gianni Infantino must stand up and show real leadership.
Soldiers stand guard next to a charred vehicle after violence in Mexico (Image: Associated Press)
FIFA’s silence is deafening. On the other hand, it speaks volumes about the organization’s inability to address real issues ahead of the World Cup.
In less than four months, the greatest show on the lawn will open in North America, Mexico and Canada.
In recent weeks, FIFA has turned a deaf ear to concerns from traveling supporters about disrespectful ticket prices. Not to mention the risk of moving the game from Democratic strongholds, as President Donald Trump has threatened.
His immigration and foreign policies have led to calls for some European teams to boycott the tournament. And now FIFA faces fresh turmoil following an outbreak of deadly violence in Mexico.
Mexico’s World Cup matches are in doubt, including the tournament’s opening match at the renovated Azteca Stadium, which is behind schedule and at serious risk of not being ready.
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This comes after drug cartel boss El Mencho (real name Nemesio Ruben Oseguerra Cervantes) was killed in an operation in the western state of Jalisco over the weekend that left seven people dead.
Following the violence, the U.S. State Department warned people to evacuate and ordered airlines to suspend flights to Jalisco.
Meanwhile, the UK government said visitors to Jalisco should “exercise extreme caution” and follow advice from local authorities following reports of “serious security incidents”.
The problem currently facing FIFA is that four group stage matches are scheduled to be held in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state. If the Republic of Ireland qualify for the tournament through the play-offs, they could face South Korea in their first match on June 11.
Violence erupts in Mexico – just months after tournament begins (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Azteca Stadium is scheduled to host the tournament’s opening game, but renovations are behind schedule
And for those who want to participate. Around 5,000 England fans have booked trips to North America to watch Thomas Tuchel’s side. And through the ‘Football Supporters Association’ they have all raised concerns with the FA about some of the issues listed above.
However, the feedback and advice was minimal and unsatisfactory. That’s definitely because the drip feed of information from the top, FIFA, to the FA itself has been turned off.
Concerns have been raised about the validity of the last two World Cups, held in Russia and Qatar, for ethical reasons. But the current one ahead of the 2026 edition is of a completely different and more worrying scale.
That means Infantino must act now. Because his silence is far from golden.
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