Mexico Soccer: mexico soccer friendly goes ahead in Querétaro despite cartel violence

mexico soccer supporters were told the friendly with Iceland will proceed in Querétaro despite widespread violence after a notorious drug lord was killed by the military. Local officials, the FMF and state authorities said the match will go forward with enhanced security and fans in the stadium.

Mexico Soccer security measures

The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has insisted since Sunday that the game would take place as planned, while also weighing a range of logistical measures in case alternatives were required. 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. " The federation had considered staging the match "behind closed doors"—no fans allowed in the stadium—but 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. 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.

Canceled matches and rumors

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. Among the events canceled were four soccer matches, and online rumors gained considerable traction throughout the day on Sunday; most of those accounts were unreliable and unconfirmed.

Partly fueling the speculation was the decision by Liga MX, Mexico's top domestic league, to cancel a Sunday afternoon match, while Ascenso MX — Mexico's second-tier professional league — postponed two matches. At the same time, Liga MX Femenil postponed Sunday's América-Chivas match, a national derby that was to take place at the Guadalajara stadium where four World Cup matches are slated to be played.

Specific incidents and distances

Also on Sunday, a Liga MX Femenil match in Aguascalientes, 223 kilometers (138 miles) northeast of Guadalajara, was suspended for a few minutes when "detonations" were heard near the stadium. The cancellation of a Liga MX contest that was to be played in Querétaro, about 350 kilometers (217 miles) southeast of Guadalajara, attracted attention, though that concern was tempered by the fact Mexico's national team is set to square off against Iceland's national team at that same venue on Wednesday night.

Teams, travel and training

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.

Local decisions and final details

Local authorities and the governor Kuri confirmed that the Mexico vs. Iceland match will proceed with public access in Querétaro. The governor assured that the partido de este miércoles remains unchanged and with access to the public after officials attended to the recent security incidents. While the FMF had considered a closed-door option, the current plan anticipates a crowd of roughly 30, 000 at La Corregidora Stadium under an enhanced security posture.

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. " The next immediate focus is Wednesday night's friendly in Querétaro and the national and local security measures that will surround it.

Closing: The match is scheduled to proceed in Querétaro on Wednesday night with enhanced security, public access and a 30, 000-fan expectation while authorities monitor events across Mexico.