Duck off: World Cup hero Merlín barred from Mexico game due to Fifa’s animal ban

Merlín the duck’s bid to see his beloved Mexico live has hit a snag after he was barred from El Tri’s match with Czechia on Wednesday.Merlín has become a folk hero in Mexico after becoming a symbol of El Tri’s World Cup campaign on home soil. His fans had launched a campaign for Merlín to attend Wednesday’s match alongside his human family. But his journey was cut short by Fifa regulations.Merlín was granted access to the Estadio Azteca grounds to film a segment with Televisa, one of Latin America’s largest television networks. Under strict security protocols, Merlín traveled comfortably inside a transport crate, accompanied by owner Carla Gómez and her son Cristian, as curious fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the world’s sixth-most famous duck. However, he was not allowed to watch the match itself as Fifa regulations prohibit animals from entering venues in order to safeguard their wellbeing.A Fifa spokesperson confirmed Merlín was permitted to enter the perimeter but not the stadium, and did not offer further comment.“These last few days have been crazy, we’ll never stop being grateful for what we’ve experienced,” Carla Gómez told the Associated Press. “Everyone is truly amazed by Merlín.”Merlín has yet to make a public comment on Fifa’s duck-related policies.Merlín has grown into a social media phenomenon and an international celebrity during this World Cup. Wearing a green Mexico jersey and proudly accompanying his family as they sell drinks throughout the city, the two-year-old has become a familiar sight in the capital. Along the way, he has participated in interviews, visited television studios, mingled with supporters and even met Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum.Although Merlín will not be cheering from the stands, Carla Gómez is convinced that he will bring luck to Mexico.“Merlín is a lucky charm, and I know that, with him, the Mexican national team will win again today,” she said.