Mexico’s National Guard special forces have been deployed (Picture: Getty)
Mexico’s co-hosting of next summer’s World Cup has come under the spotlight after significant violent unrest broke out following the killing of a high-profile drug lord, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes.
Oseguera Cervantes, better known as ‘El Mencho’, was killed in the western state of Jalisco in an army operation on Sunday.
El Mencho was head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, known as CJNG, and oversaw operations of one of the most powerful and fastest-growing criminal organisations in Mexico.
The 59-year-old’s death sparked violence in the state of Jalisco, which has spread to more than a dozen states throughout the nation.
Armed groups have set up roadblocks to impede army operations, while cars and public buildings have also been set alight.
More than 70 people have been killed in the operation to kill El Mencho and the subsequent violence. That figure includes suspected cartel members, members of the Mexican National Guard, and civilians.
Guadalajara is the capital city of Jalisco, the epicentre of the violence, and is due to host four matches at this summer’s tournament. They also plan hold FIFA’s Fan Fest in the city centre, with 200,000 fans expected to attend.
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Violence has erupted in the state of Jalisco but has spread throughout the country (Picture: Getty)
Several matches in the men’s and women’s top-flight football divisions have been postponed following the outbreak of violence, although other sporting events, such as the Mexico Open, have continued as usual.
But the most recent spate of violence has raised long-term concerns over the risk to fans travelling to the country next summer.
While violence is likely to subside in the coming days and weeks, the death of El Mencho could see rival cartels and figures look to fill the power vacuum and the potential for sustained violence over a longer period.
Metro has contacted FIFA for comment.
What has FIFA said about the violence in Mexico?
In a statement provided to The Athletic, a FIFA spokesperson said: At FIFA Mexico, we are closely monitoring the situation in Jalisco and remain in constant communication with the authorities.
‘We will continue to follow the actions and directions from the different government agencies, aimed at maintaining public safety and restoring normalcy, and we reiterate our close collaboration with federal, state, and local authorities.’
Alongside matches in Guadalajara, another five are scheduled in Mexico City, and four in Monterrey.
Guadalajara will host World Cup matches next summer (Picture: Getty)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum (Picture: Getty)
But FIFA stressed their ‘confidence’ in the country’s security planning ahead of the World Cup, stating: ‘Mexico is approaching World Cup planning as a matter of national security and national pride, and they have resourced the planning accordingly. FIFA is confident in the intelligence and operational capabilities of its Mexican partners.’
While the summer tournament is still several months away, the upcoming playoffs in March are of more pressing concern.
Bolivia, Congo DR, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname are all vying for two of the final spots, with playoff matches set to take place in Guadalajara and Monterrey.
But FIFA has not indicated any plans to move the games, saying they would not comment on ‘hypothetical situations and speculation’.
What impact could this have on England and Scotland fans?
England and Scotland are playing their group-stage fixtures solely in the United States, but both could face a trip to Mexico for their first knockout round.
The Three Lions could face a potential round-of-32 clash with co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City, while Steve Clarke’s side could meet the Netherlands in Monterrey if they finish runners-up in their group.
However, there is a possibility that the Republic of Ireland could play two of their three group matches in Mexico if they qualify for the tournament.
Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side travel to the Czech Republic for their playoff semi-final in March, knowing a win would see them advance to a winner-takes-all final against either Denmark or North Macedonia for a spot in next summer’s tournament.
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