40 Days Ahead Of The 2022 World Cup: Mexican Fans Get Ready For Jar, Lucha Libre Masks Are Prohibited In Qatar

Lucha Libre Masks are banned in Qatar (Instagram @luchalibreaaa)

JAKARTA - Every four years, during the World Cup celebrations, Mexican fans are one of the most colorful in the stadium with a Charro hat, the song "Cielito Lindo", the traditional Mexican anthem, and the colorful Lucha Libre (professional wrestler), another sport that is very distinctive in this country.

However, the Qatar 2022 organizing committee disagreed with this tradition and announced Monday that fans would not be allowed to wear masks inside the stadium.

"The latest update from the committee is that the (Luche Libre) masks will not be allowed, I have to admit that previously we took some wrestler masks to ask if they could be used and they told us they didn't see any problems," said Alfonso Zagbe, executive director of the Strategy and Public Diplomacy at Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in an interview with ESPN.

"(But) don't forget that we are in a complex area, the Middle East, so in their latest update, which determines what can and cannot be done, masks are prohibited."

federal officials warned that fans even smuggled these items into stadiums, starting from their first three group stage matches against Poland, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia, security forces will issue warnings.

"They will let you know that you can't use it, if you take it there."

That's why Zagbe pointed out the importance of warning Mexican fans not to let anything know at the last minute.

In addition, Mexican officials pointed out that there are other restrictions for tourists, for example, to be barred from bringing alcohol.

"If at the airport, alcohol is automatically confiscated and if anyone exceeds minor administrative sanctions, then there will be consular protection from Mexican authorities."