DDespite widespread violence following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino has made it clear that this summer’s World Cup in Mexico is still going ahead and no change of venue is being considered.
Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco Cartel New Generation, was killed during a capture operation by the Mexican military. The incident sparked days of violence in various parts of the country, particularly in Jalisco, where at least 70 people were said to have lost their lives in clashes and riots, according to official figures.
Infantino: “No one needs to move anything”
FIFA’s president clearly supported holding the tournament on Mexican soil. In comments reported by the Miami Herald, the official stressed that FIFA is in constant communication with the government led by Claudia Sheinbaum.
No one needs to move anything. We are in constant contact with the Mexican Presidential Administration and authorities. We have full confidence in the Mexican authorities
The official added that the situation is being closely monitored, but the world governing body is confident that both the World Cup and qualifiers will go ahead without any problems. These include matches scheduled for next month at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, one of the cities most affected by recent violence.
Infantino also emphasized the country’s soccer roots, saying, “Mexico is a soccer country. The authorities and the people will do everything in their power to make the World Cup a celebration of soccer.”
Featured Guadalajara
The city of Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state, is attracting international attention as it is scheduled to host four matches during this summer’s World Cup. However, the recent violence has already affected the country’s sporting calendar, with at least four local soccer matches postponed last Sunday for safety reasons.
President Sheinbaum offered “every guarantee” that the World Cup would go ahead and assured fans planning to attend that there was “no risk.”
international interest
Not everyone shares FIFA’s optimism. From the Caribbean, the Jamaica Football Federation expressed concern about the situation. Jamaica are scheduled to play a playoff game in Mexico on March 26, and the country’s president, Michael Ricketts, admitted he was nervous.
There’s still a month left to see what will happen, but to be honest, I’m very worried.
He added that he would be keeping an eye on decisions by CONCACAF and FIFA in case an alternative venue needs to be found.
There are also critical voices at the local level. Hugo Alejandro Pérez, a Guadalajara resident, told The Associated Press that he was opposed to holding the tournament in the midst of the crisis. “We have so many problems and they want to invest in the World Cup? It’s not a good idea when there’s so much violence going on,” he said.
World Cup under scrutiny
Although FIFA remains confident and the Mexican government reaffirms that there are conditions to guarantee security, the current situation places Mexico under international scrutiny.
The ball is still set to roll, but stability in the coming weeks will be key to ensuring that the World Cup not only happens, but delivers on its promise of being a true football extravaganza.
