Soccer matches postponed amid violence after army kills Mexican cartel
The recent events in Mexico have had a significant impact on the sports world, with four high-level soccer matches being postponed following the killing of the leader of a powerful drug cartel by the Mexican army. The incident occurred in Tapalpa, Jalisco, a town close to the World Cup host city of Guadalajara.
As a result of the violence in the region, two top-tier soccer games, including Queretaro vs. Juarez FC in the men’s tournament and Chivas vs. America in the women’s league, were postponed. Additionally, two matches in the second division were also called off. Despite the unrest, Mexico’s national team is still scheduled to play a friendly against Iceland on Wednesday at the Corregidora stadium in Queretaro.
The leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” was fatally wounded in the incident. Following his death, cartel members engaged in violent activities, including burning cars and blocking roads in multiple Mexican states.
Guadalajara, which is set to host four games in the upcoming World Cup in June, has been a focal point of the violence. The CJNG cartel, considered the most powerful in Mexico, has operations in 21 of Mexico’s 32 states and has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US government.
Despite the turmoil, the Mexican Open, an ATP tennis tournament scheduled to begin in Acapulco, Guerrero, will continue as planned. Organizers have stated that the tournament’s operation will proceed as normal.
The events in Mexico have raised concerns about the safety and security of sporting events in the country. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for authorities to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of players, spectators, and staff involved in sporting events in Mexico.
