The death of the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation cartel has triggered a wave of bloody reprisals across Mexico, casting doubt on the safety of the upcoming World Cup. Hundreds of bags containing human remains were found near the stadium in Guadalajara, and sports federations are canceling initial events. Despite the gruesome discoveries and the ongoing drug war, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expresses full confidence in Mexican authorities and guarantees that the tournament will proceed as planned.

Bloody Wave of Violence in Mexico

The death of the CJNG cartel leader triggered a series of retaliatory attacks in 20 states, paralyzing public life and undermining safety guarantees for fans.

Mass Graves Near World Cup Stadium

The discovery of over 500 bags with human remains near the arena in Guadalajara casts a shadow over preparations for the FIFA tournament.

Cancellation of Diving World Cup

World Aquatics was the first to withdraw from organizing events in Mexico, deeming the risk to athletes too high.

Dispute Over US Security Funds

The suspension of 625 million dollars in federal grants hampers preparations in US cities for anti-terrorism security for the World Cup.

The security situation in Mexico deteriorated sharply after Sunday's military operation, in which Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', was killed. He was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel. In response to his death, members of the criminal group unleashed a wave of violence in over 20 states, setting fire to banks, businesses, and blocking roads with burning vehicles. The situation is particularly dramatic in Guadalajara, which is set to be one of the host cities for the upcoming World Cup. Within a dozen kilometers of the Akron stadium, authorities discovered at least twelve mass graves containing over 500 bags with human remains. Local media report shootings near the airport, which forced travelers to seek shelter on terminal floors. The drug war in Mexico has been ongoing since 2006, when then-President Felipe Calderón deployed the military to the streets to fight the cartels, initiating a period of unprecedented destabilization in the country.Despite the escalation of the conflict, which has already claimed at least 70 lives, including over 25 National Guard officers, FIFA does not foresee any changes to its plans. Gianni Infantino, after a conversation with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, stated that the organization of the tournament is not under threat. However, other federations do not share this optimism. World Aquatics has already decided to cancel the Diving World Cup, which was scheduled for March in Guadalajara. This decision was justified by negative travel recommendations from governments regarding this region. A friendly match between Mexico and Iceland in Querétaro, held under conditions resembling a besieged fortress with six security cordons established by the military and police, served as a test of the effectiveness of the security services. „Of course, we are monitoring the situation in Mexico these days, but I want to say from the outset that we have complete confidence in Mexico, in its president, Claudia Sheinbaum, and in the authorities, and we are convinced that everything will go as smoothly as possible.” — Gianni InfantinoOrganizational problems are not limited to Mexico alone. In the United States, a dispute is growing over funding for the event's security. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has halted the disbursement of 625 million dollars from FEMA funds, causing paralysis in preparations in cities such as Boston. Additionally, European football federations express concerns about the profitability of participating in the tournament. Due to the lack of tax exemptions in the USA, high logistical costs, and lower per diems from FIFA, some national teams may end the World Cup at a financial loss.

Perspektywy mediów: Liberal media emphasize the tragic human dimension and discoveries of mass graves, questioning the ethics of organizing a tournament in the shadow of a civil war. Conservative media focus on the decision-making paralysis of the US administration regarding security funding and the necessity of a tough fight against the cartels.

Mentioned People

  • Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes — Killed leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, known by the alias El Mencho.
  • Gianni Infantino — President of FIFA, who assures the complete safety of the World Cup in Mexico.
  • Claudia Sheinbaum — President of Mexico, declaring the maintenance of plans to organize the championship.
  • Kristi Noem — US Secretary of Homeland Security, responsible for halting FIFA funds.