Mexico City Police Arrest Man for Allegedly Selling FIFA World Cup Accreditation

Mexico City police have arrested a 24-year-old man accused of attempting to rent out his official FIFA World Cup accreditation through social media, allegedly offering unauthorised access to restricted areas inside tournament venues. The arrest came after World Cup organisers alerted authorities to the online advertisements.

Organisers Flag Suspicious Online Offer

According to Mexico City's Citizen Security Secretariat, the suspect was detained near Estadio Azteca on Wednesday after attempting to reactivate his tournament credential. Authorities said a legal representative of the World Cup organising committee contacted police after identifying social media posts in which the man allegedly advertised access using his accreditation.

The amount he was reportedly seeking for the arrangement was not disclosed.

The accused, whose identity has not been made public, has been handed over to the public prosecutor's office, which will determine his legal status.

Mexico City is hosting several matches during the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup, including group-stage games involving the host nation. On Wednesday, World Cup debutants Uzbekistan were scheduled to face Colombia in a Group K fixture in the Mexican capital.

Mexico Begin Home World Cup Campaign With Victory

The arrest comes days after Mexico opened their World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca on June 12.

Julian Quinones gave the hosts an early lead in the ninth minute after capitalising on a defensive error, scoring what became the earliest World Cup goal since Philipp Lahm struck for Germany against Costa Rica in 2006. Mexico continued to dominate proceedings throughout the match, creating several chances while enjoying the majority of possession.

Veteran striker Raul Jimenez doubled the advantage in the 67th minute with a powerful header, sealing the win for the hosts in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.

Three Red Cards Mark Eventful Contest

The encounter was also notable for its disciplinary drama, with three red cards shown. South Africa were reduced to 10 men when Sithole was sent off early in the second half, before Zwane received a second dismissal in the 83rd minute. Mexico also finished the match with 10 players after a late red card in stoppage time.

Despite the heated nature of the contest, Mexico comfortably secured all three points, extending their impressive record against African opposition and maintaining their unbeaten run at Estadio Azteca.

(With inputs from ANI)