Mexico fans are banned from wearing Lucha Libre masks during the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar. The Mexican government confirmed the Qatar 2022 Organising Committee’s choice.
Alfonso Zegbe, the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has told ESPN, that Mexico sought clarification on the masks’ use. El Tri supporters are often among the most colourful at the tournament with sombrero de charros, wrestling masks and the renditions of Cielito Lindo.
Yet fans are not allowed to wear Lucha Libra masks entering the stadiums at Qatar 2022. The World Cup’s Organising Committee has told the Mexican government that the masks are a prohibited item. Zegbe has now warned Mexico fans against taking masks to games.
Security staff could take any Lucha Libra masks fans try to sneak into stadiums away prior to ties at the Qatar World Cup. The Organising Committee has included the item of the list of prohibited items alongside other restrictions like alcohol and its regulated consumption.
Mexico claim Qatar 2022 has banned Lucha Libra masks during the World Cup
Zegbe claims Qatar chiefs have banned Lucha Libra masks from being worn over the World Cup. The Mexican government has been in contact with the Organising Committee over its possible usage. Zegbe also explained how the Mexican government will support El Tri fans.
“The latest update from the Organizing Committee is that masks will not be allowed,” said Zegbe. “I have to confess that we brought some fighter masks to ask if they could be used and they told us that they did not see him.
“Let’s not forget that we are in a complex region, which is [the] Middle East. In its latest update, where it says what can and cannot be done, masks are prohibited.”
Zegbe continued: “If it is at the airport, the alcohol is automatically confiscated. If there is something that exceeds minor administrative sanctions, then you will have the consular protection of the Mexican authorities.”
Mexico has had an embassy in Qatar since 2014 and will use the Mexico Qatar 2022 Center as an extension of its embassy. The Mexican government expects large numbers of fans to travel to Qatar for the World Cup to back El Tri during November and December this year.
Qatar 2022 has clarified the rules on wearing any full face masks at stadiums
Qatar chiefs have cited security reasons for banning Lucha Libra masks at this year’s World Cup. But the Organising Committee has clarified that supporters are allowed to use the masks inside a stadium and likens the restrictions to the masks used for covid restrictions.
The Qatar 2022 Organising Committee has stated that Lucha Libra masks must be removed like surgical masks for security checks when entering the stadiums. But a statement shared by ESPN claims that Qatar 2022 has not detailed any further restrictions like Zegbe claims.
“No policy has been established or communicated that allows fans not to be able to wear such masks in any of the Qatar World Cup stadiums or other places in the country,” it read.
Mexico begin their 2022 Qatar World Cup campaign against Poland on November 22. The North American nation then faces Lionel Messi’s Argentina on the 26th before a final game with Saudi Arabia on the 30th. The winner of Group C will meet the runners-up of Group D.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
