[Saba Sports News] On Tuesday local time, thousands of protesters blocked the main access routes to the Azteca Stadium, venue for the World Cup opening ceremony and the opening fixture between Mexico and South Africa. A radical faction of the teachers’ union CNTE has been staging ongoing protests since last week, demanding pay rises and the repeal of a pension reform bill. Authorities have deployed thousands of police officers around the stadium and erected concrete barriers on roads to hold back the demonstrators. The teachers have set up a camp near the Zócalo main square and announced they will continue their protests on the day of the opening game. A fan viewing zone has also been established at the square. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum labelled actions including road blockades and vandalism against World Cup-related statues as “provocations” on Tuesday. Still, she has refused to order a heavy-handed police response to the protests, vowing to “ensure the World Cup opening ceremony proceeds peacefully and smoothly”.
The editor believes that despite the prevailing tensions, FIFA has stated it has no concerns over stadium security and appears confident in the Mexican government’s ability to handle the situation.