Fifa monitors World Cup city Guadalajara amid cartel violence
Fifa is closely monitoring the situation in World Cup host city Guadalajara after the death of a notorious cartel leader sparked widespread violence across Mexico.
World football’s governing body has been forced to assess security protocols following the death of Nemesio Oseguara Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho’, during a military operation.
The elimination of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) boss on Sunday triggered chaos across 20 states, with burning vehicles blocking roads and businesses set alight.
Travellers at Guadalajara airport were forced to crouch on the floor in panic after gunshots were reportedly heard from a nearby highway.
Security concerns ahead of tournament
The unrest has occurred just four months before the Jalisco capital is due to welcome supporters from around the world for the 2026 World Cup.
Estadio Akron in Zapopan is one of three Mexican venues selected to host matches during the summer tournament.
Concerns have also been raised regarding imminent play-off matches involving Congo, Jamaica and New Caledonia, which are scheduled to take place at the venue at the end of March.
“At Fifa Mexico, we are closely monitoring the situation in Jalisco and remain in constant communication with the authorities,” a spokesperson for the governing body said.
“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.”
Domestic fixtures postponed
The escalation in violence has had an immediate impact on the domestic football calendar in Mexico.
Officials in the country’s top flight confirmed the indefinite postponement of two matches scheduled for Sunday, including a men’s fixture between Queretaro and Juarez FC.
A high-profile women’s league clash between Chivas and Club America was also called off, along with two matches in the second tier.
Safety fears were heightened during a women’s match between Necaxa and Queretaro in Aguascalientes on Sunday.
Players were forced to flee the pitch mid-game after loud noises, believed to be gunfire, were heard outside the Estadio Victoria.
Tennis events proceed
despite the widespread disruption, other sporting events in the region have continued under heightened security.
The Mexican Open tennis tournament began on Monday, seeing British number one Cameron Norrie suffer a defeat against teenager Rafael Jodar.
The WTA also confirmed the Merida Open in the eastern part of the country would proceed, stating that the safety of players and staff remained their “top priority”.