Mexico Soccer friendly in Querétaro to go ahead despite cartel violence
Mexico soccer fans will see El Tri play Iceland in Querétaro on Wednesday night after local authorities approved the match to proceed with fans, even as violence that erupted on Sunday following the killing of a notorious drug lord continues to ripple across the country.
Violence shut public events and led to "shelter in place" orders
Violence erupted across broad swaths of Mexico on Sunday after a notorious drug lord was killed by the military, prompting cancellation of public events in several states and issuance of "shelter in place" orders, and forcing the cancellation of four soccer matches.
Guadalajara disruptions affected women's league and nearby cities
The worst violence occurred in and around Guadalajara, one of three Mexican host cities for the global soccer tournament, and that unrest touched Liga MX Femenil: the América-Chivas derby at the Guadalajara stadium—where four World Cup matches are slated to be played—was postponed and another Femenil match in Aguascalientes, 223 kilometers (138 miles) northeast of Guadalajara, was suspended for a few minutes when "detonations" were heard near the stadium.
Mexico Soccer: Querétaro match kept on the calendar with enhanced security
The cancellation of a Liga MX contest in Querétaro, about 350 kilometers (217 miles) southeast of Guadalajara, drew significant attention because Mexico’s national team is set to square off against Iceland at that same venue on Wednesday night. Mexico’s national soccer federation (FMF) has insisted since Sunday that the game would take place as planned, while considering a range of logistical measures.
FMF and local officials weigh safety measures and fan access
An FMF source told the newspaper Record on Monday, "Although the match is unlikely to be canceled, the safety of those attending is the main concern surrounding this encounter. " One possibility under consideration was to stage the game "behind closed doors" (i. e., no fans allowed in the stadium), but the FMF now anticipates 30, 000 fans will be cheering on El Tri at La Corregidora Stadium.
After consulting with the state Security Cabinet Monday night, local authorities consented to allow the game to go forward with enhanced security provided by federal, state and local agencies. Querétaro officials were meeting with the FMF on Tuesday to finalize details, and the governor assured that the match would be maintained without changes and with public access after addressing recent security events.
Iceland and Mexico squads arrived and trained amid the uncertainty
The Iceland squad arrived in Querétaro on Saturday night and team officials have not publicly expressed any opposition to playing the game. Mexico’s players— all from Liga MX clubs—assembled in Mexico City on Sunday before traveling to Querétaro for Monday and Tuesday training sessions.
FIFA watching, but hosting status appears secure for now
On Monday, said "there are no signs or indications that Mexico’s ability to host the World Cup or [next month’s] interconfederation playoff matches are at risk. " FIFA will be keeping an eye on the security operation at Wednesday’s game and on developments across the country over the coming days and weeks, but Mexico’s World Cup hosting status seems assured for now.
The next confirmed milestone is the Mexico vs. Iceland friendly on Wednesday night at La Corregidora Stadium, with Querétaro officials meeting with the FMF on Tuesday to finalize security and operational details.
