Germany's World Cup fears grow over Mexico's unrest and extreme weather risks
DFB managing director Andreas Rettig has expressed concerns about the security situation in Mexico ahead of this summer's FIFA World Cup. When asked if he was looking forward to the tournament, Rettig told the Augsburger Allgemeine: "To be honest, not at the moment."
Just over three months before the World Cup kicks off (June 11 to July 19), suspected cartel members unleashed a wave of violence across much of the country following the military's killing of notorious drug lord Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes. On Sunday, unrest erupted in 20 of Mexico's 32 states, and on Monday, schools and courts in some areas remained closed.
"Let's hope this near-war situation eases quickly and doesn't escalate further," Rettig said. "My thoughts are with all Mexicans suffering under the unrest."
But the 62-year-old has more than just security concerns on his mind ahead of the tournament, which will be hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. "The images we're seeing from the East Coast venues—devastating snowstorms—are also deeply troubling," he said. "Right now, there's little room for World Cup excitement—just the hope that normalcy returns as soon as possible for everyone."
Rettig: Politics must not "drain energy" from the national team
When it comes to U.S. politics and President Donald Trump, Rettig has a clear stance. "In some ways, this reminds me of the debates around Qatar, which I criticized from the sidelines at the time," said the German Football Association (DFB) executive. "But with the negative experiences we had in Qatar, one thing is clear: You can't let these discussions into the dressing room. This issue must not sap our strength or energy."
That said, he emphasized that "everyone is free to voice their opinion—there are no gag orders. But with a squad of 26 young men, there won't be just one viewpoint. We've already spoken with our captain, Joshua Kimmich: Those who want to speak out can, and those who don't, that's fine too."
