Mexico Soccer friendly in Querétaro to go ahead despite weekend cartel violence
The mexico soccer friendly between Mexico and Iceland will go ahead in Querétaro this Wednesday night despite widespread violence that erupted across parts of the country on Sunday; officials cite enhanced security and an anticipated crowd of 30, 000 at La Corregidora Stadium.
Violence following the killing of a notorious drug lord by the military prompted shelter-in-place orders and the cancellation of public events across several states on Sunday, including four soccer matches, raising short-term concerns about some scheduled fixtures and stirring online rumors.
Local and national authorities moved quickly to weigh options and, after consultations, cleared the national team’s match at Querétaro with added protection. FIFA will be watching the security operation at the game and developments across the country over the coming days and weeks.
Mexico Soccer friendly confirmed with fans at La Corregidora Stadium
The national soccer federation, FMF, has insisted since Sunday that the game would take place as planned and now anticipates 30, 000 fans will be cheering on El Tri at La Corregidora Stadium. One contingency had been staging the match "behind closed doors, " but that option was not taken.
Violence followed killing of a drug lord and hit multiple matches
Violence erupted on Sunday after a notorious drug lord was killed by the military. The unrest led to shelter-in-place orders in several states and the cancellation of public events, including four soccer matches. Online rumors circulated widely during the day but most accounts were unreliable and unconfirmed.
League postponements and stadium incidents
The Liga MX canceled a Sunday afternoon match while Ascenso MX postponed two matches. Liga MX Femenil postponed Sunday’s América-Chivas national derby, which had been scheduled at the Guadalajara stadium where four World Cup matches are slated. A Liga MX Femenil match in Aguascalientes — 223 kilometers, or 138 miles, northeast of Guadalajara — was suspended for a few minutes when "detonations" were heard near the stadium. The cancellation of the Liga MX contest in Querétaro — about 350 kilometers (217 miles) southeast of Guadalajara — drew attention amid concerns tied to the weekend unrest.
Security sign-off, officials meeting and a local confirmation
After consulting with the state Security Cabinet Monday night, local authorities consented to allow the match to go forward, with enhanced security to be provided by federal, state and local agencies. Querétaro officials were meeting with the FMF on Tuesday to finalize details.
An FMF source told Record on Monday, "Although the match is unlikely to be canceled, the safety of those attending is the main concern surrounding this encounter. " A Spanish message published locally read: "⚽ Kuri confirma que el #MéxicoVsIslandia sí va con público en #Querétaro El gobernador aseguró que el partido de este miércoles se mantiene sin cambios y con acceso al público, tras atender los recientes hechos de seguridad. "
Teams in place and the immediate outlook
The Iceland squad arrived in Querétaro on Saturday night and team officials have not publicly expressed 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.
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 developments across the country over the coming days and weeks, but Mexico’s World Cup hosting status seems assured for now.
What happens next
The immediate next event is the Mexico vs. Iceland friendly at La Corregidora Stadium on Wednesday night, with enhanced security in place and organizers expecting 30, 000 spectators. Querétaro officials and the FMF were finalizing arrangements on Tuesday ahead of the match.
