England fans due to head to North America for this summer’s World Cup have been given assurances that their safety will be taken into account following a high-profile fatal accident in Mexico
England supporters gather in North America for this summer’s World Cup
Football supporters’ associations have pledged to do all they can to ensure the safety of England fans heading to the World Cup.
And that includes people who may end up going to Mexico, where severe violence has broken out after the assassination of a drug lord. With just four months to go, the tournament remains clouded by controversy.
Many of the 5,000 England supporters due to travel to North America have expressed concerns about exorbitant ticket prices. Not to mention the risk of moving the game from Democratic strongholds, as US President Donald Trump has threatened.
And now FIFA faces fresh turmoil following an outbreak of deadly violence in Mexico. World Cup matches scheduled to be held in Mexico are in jeopardy, including the tournament’s opening match at the renovated Azteca Stadium.
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.
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FIFA is closely monitoring future events and may decide to prevent Mexico from hosting the match. If both teams win their respective groups, England could face a last-16 clash with Mexico in Mexico City. The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) insists there will still be great excitement about the prospect despite the current problems.
But the FSA confirmed it would do everything it could, in consultation with local authorities and FIFA, to ensure travelers were not put at risk.
The World Cup will be held in three countries including Mexico, Canada and the United States (Image: GETTY)
In a statement, the FSA said: “The excitement from England fans about the possibility of a round of 16 encounter in Mexico City has been evident since the draw took place. It’s a great chance to see a great city, visit an iconic stadium and potentially play against the hosts. That excitement continues.”
“Naturally, we always advise supporters traveling abroad to follow the advice of the Foreign Office. We will also do everything we can, including working with host city representatives and FIFA, to give our supporters the best advice before they travel and ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable trip.”
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