FIFA is “closely monitoring” the situation in Guadalajara, which has plunged the World Cup city into chaos following the death of drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguara Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.”
The leader of the Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) drug cartel was killed during a military operation in the Mexican state of Jalisco on Sunday, sparking widespread violence that saw cartel members wreak havoc in 20 states.
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Burning cars blocked roads, billowing smoke, and set banks and local businesses on fire. In Guadalajara, travelers at the airport could be seen running or squatting on the floor after hearing gunshots on a nearby highway.
The unrest comes just four months before the city welcomes fans from around the world to watch the World Cup finals, with Akron Stadium in Zapopan one of three venues in Mexico hosting games this summer.
The stadium will also host a play-off tie between Congo, Jamaica and New Caledonia at the end of March, although concerns have been raised over whether fans can be kept safe amid fury from the cartel.
“At FIFA Mexico, we are closely monitoring the situation in Jalisco and are in constant communication with the authorities,” a FIFA spokesperson told reporters. Reuters.
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“We will continue to follow the actions and directives of the various government agencies aimed at maintaining public safety and restoring normalcy and reaffirm our close cooperation with federal, state and local authorities.”
Mexico’s football community has been affected by the developments, with the country’s top flight confirming that two matches scheduled for Sunday – Queretaro vs. Club America in the men’s league, and Chivas vs. Club America in the women’s league – have been postponed indefinitely, while two second-tier matches have also been cancelled.
Thick smoke can be seen across Guadalajara (@RaulFierroZ via X via REUTERS)
Meanwhile, Sunday’s women’s match between Necaxa and Querétaro in Aguascalientes was suspended as players fled the pitch after hearing loud bangs, believed to be gunshots, outside the Victoria Stadium.
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The Mexican national team is scheduled to play Iceland in a friendly match on Wednesday at the Estadio Corregidora in Querétaro.
Elsewhere, the Mexican Open started as planned on Monday, with Britain’s Cameron Norrie suffering a shock defeat to teenager Rafael Jordahl in less than an hour.
The Merida Women’s Open in the east of the country also goes ahead as planned, with the WTA reiterating that “the safety of players, staff and spectators remains our top priority”, while there is also an increased police presence around tournament venues.
Katie Boulter, who plays for Yucatan Country Club, has moved beyond their first round match after defeating Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia in straight sets.