Global Sporting Events: Why Does Mexico Refuse to Think Big?

It was 25 years ago when Mexico hosted its last relevant world-class event. Since then the FEMEXFUT (Mexican Soccer Federation), the COM (Mexican Olympic Committee) and the Mexican Government in general have been afraid of pursuing bids for a third World Cup or another Olympic Games. 

No, the 2011 U-17 World Cup did not count as an important competition, since it lacks of international relevance. The upcoming Pan American Games in Guadalajara are also not quite enough. Both events show a fairly good beginning, but now the country needs to go further. 

As a developing nation with severe crime struggles, Mexico has been trying to show the world the other side of the coin. The Mexican Government wants to sell the image of a friendly, beautiful, progressive nation and a large-scale sports competition is exactly what they need to improve the country’s image.

Critics would surely argue that the rising drug-related violence would not let an international event take place while remaining a safe environment. Despite this belief, last year’s World Cup Final was played in Johannesburg, reputed to be the murder capital of the world and the forthcoming tournament will have Brazil as its location, where soccer and samba coexist with infamous favelas and some of the highest crime rates in the Americas.

The lack of infrastructure may also be an issue, but it is not a defining factor, let’s take Brazil or South Africa as examples: both nations have severe deficiencies when talking about highways, airports and mobility in general. Despite this, they won their respective bids.

Alejandro Burillo (owner of Mexican club Atlante and former sports director at the FEMEXFUT) has insisted repeatedly that Mexico has the potential and financial power to hosting a third FIFA World Cup. In an appeal to Justino Compeán, FEMEXFUT President, and Decio de María, Secretary-General of the same organization, he accused them of mediocrity for not pursuing bigger things.

Mexico’s bid for the 2022 World Cup was removed before the selection process actually began, citing the lack of infrastructure and the economic crisis. Although their arguments were valid, they were not enough, despite the adverse circumstances. The bid was not unrealistic at all, since the country has one of the biggest soccer venues on Earth, the Estadio Azteca, two recently built stadia (Omnilife Stadium, and the new Corona Stadium) and there are rather interesting projects for new venues to be constructed in the near future (Monterrey Soccer Stadium, New Azul Stadium).

The Mexican Government, in cooperation with the FEMEXFUT and the COM, is urged to follow Brazil’s example. They need to build a long-term strategy involving an exceptional marketing campaign and start bidding to host world-class events. 

Mexico has done it before, and can do it now, it’s all about strategy.