Despite being on the kingpin list, Rafa Marquez plays in the World Cup for Mexico

op-ed by Chivis Martinez for Borderland Beat

Mexico defeated defending champion Germany today 1-0

In August of last year, Rafael Marquez Alvarez, aka “Rafa” was placed on a kingpin list.  He is  star soccer player who is on Mexico’s national team and is playing in his fifth World Cup, only the third player to do so. [use this link to read my post of the sanctions]

At the recent World Cup practice scrimmage in California’s Rose Bowl, the soccer star out was MIA.

He is accused by the United States of having assisted Raul Flores Hernandez, leader of the Flores Drug Trafficking Organization in money laundering and using numerous businesses and bank accounts to clean drug profits.

21 Mexicans were placed on the same sanctions list and also had their assets frozen.  One was Norteno band leader Julio Cesar Alvarez Montelongo, pointed out by Peña Nieto as “a great example for Mexican youth.”

The sanctions also prohibit him from playing in the United States, which explains his absence in the Rose Bowl event. His assets in the U.S. are frozen.

21 Mexicans were placed on the same sanctions list and also had their assets frozen.  One was Norteno band leader Julio Cesar Alvarez Montelongo, appointed out by Peña Nieto as “a great example for Mexican youth.”

Forget Mexico being outraged, as long as the Cup comes to Mexico after 16 tries.  Selecting Marquez to the national team illustrates how easily corruption, drug crime and violence, is pushed to the side for the sake of having an accused player go for breaking a record and playing on the national team.

Until Mexico continues make those choices instead of standing proud and rejecting criminality, nothing will change. 

Apathy is the enemy of Mexico, it is their grand ‘ol cheat.

Marquez is from Michoacan 

The L.A. Times wrote yesterday;

“Still, the sanctions have resulted in awkward moments, including Marquez’s absence during last month’s friendly against Wales, which ended in a draw. 

The companies that sponsor Mexico’s national team appear alarmed by his inclusion on the roster, and have taken steps so that they don’t seem to be doing business with Marquez. 

At practices this week in Russia, while the rest of the team wore jerseys featuring the logos of Coca-Cola and other sponsors, Marquez sported a plain version without any of the brand names.”

The remarkable explanation from Mexico with respect to the Jersey without sponsorship, was that they were “removed”,  so that “Rafa could concentrate 100% on sports”.

Marquez' jersey without sponsors

A couple weeks ago, there was a ceremony at Mexico’s presidential palace, whereas,  Marquez personally presented President Enrique Peña Nieto, with a World Cup Jersey…...seems rather fitting.

   Raul Flores Hernandez Cartel Chart by Chivis Martinez on Scribd