Mexico City Police Arrest Man for Attempting to Sell FIFA World Cup Access
Arrest Made Over Unauthorized FIFA World Cup Access
On June 18, local authorities in Mexico City apprehended a 24-year-old man for allegedly trying to rent out his official FIFA World Cup accreditation via social media, which would have granted unauthorized access to restricted areas of the stadium, as reported by local officials.
The suspect was taken into custody near the iconic Azteca Stadium after he attempted to reactivate his credential. The Citizen Security Secretariat of the city confirmed the arrest.
A legal representative from the World Cup organizing committee alerted the police after spotting the suspect's online advertisements. However, the amount he was asking for the credential has not been disclosed.
Mexico City is set to host several matches during the expanded 48-team tournament, including games featuring the host nation, Mexico. Later that day, Uzbekistan, making their World Cup debut, was scheduled to compete against Colombia in a Group K match in the capital.
The unidentified individual has been transferred to the public prosecutor's office, which will determine his legal status.
In other news, Mexico kicked off their FIFA World Cup journey with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on June 12. Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez secured the win in front of a lively home crowd.
The match was intense, featuring three red cards. This victory marked Mexico's 22nd consecutive win against African teams, with their last defeat to South Africa occurring in the 2005 Gold Cup. Notably, this was the 20th World Cup match held at the Estadio Azteca, the most of any venue in the tournament's history, as reported by ESPN.
The game began with both teams showing nerves, especially South Africa, whose players were making their World Cup debuts. South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made some risky passes early on, and in the fifth minute, Raul Jimenez had a chance that was saved.
Julian Quinones scored the tournament's first goal in the ninth minute, capitalizing on a defensive error. His shot from the edge of the box went through the goalkeeper's legs, marking the earliest World Cup goal since Philipp Lahm's in 2006.
Quinones attempted another shot from 25 yards in the 20th minute but failed to convert. Brian Gutierrez and Lyle Foster also had opportunities, but neither could find the net.
As the first half concluded, South Africa was trailing 1-0, with Mexico dominating possession and shots.
In the second half, Sithole received a red card for a foul on Gutierrez, leaving South Africa with ten players. Despite making substitutions, South Africa struggled.
In the 67th minute, Jimenez scored Mexico's second goal with a powerful header, assisted by Quinones. Although Jimenez was brought down in the box, the referee issued a yellow card to South Africa instead of a penalty.
The match saw South Africa receive another red card in the 83rd minute, reducing them to nine players. Mexico also received a red card in stoppage time, but it did not affect the outcome as they secured the win, much to the delight of their home fans.