MEXICO CITY (AP) 鈥� One of the biggest folk heroes of this World Cup, arrived outside Mexico City’s stadium on Wednesday to great fanfare 鈥� but was ultimately told he could not remain for Mexico’s match against the Czech Republic.
After winning hearts across social media, supporters had launched an effort urging organizers to allow the beloved bird to attend the match alongside his family. In less than two weeks, Merl铆n went from waddling through the streets of Mexico City during Mexico’s opening victory to But on Wednesday, his proverbial flight was cut short.
Merl铆n was granted access to to film a segment with Televisa, one of Latin America鈥檚 largest television networks. Under strict security protocols, Merl铆n traveled comfortably inside a transport crate, accompanied by owner Carla G贸mez and her son Cristian, as curious fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the tournament鈥檚 most unexpected star. However, he could not remain for the match, as FIFA regulations prohibit animals from entering venues in order to safeguard their well-being.
A FIFA tournament spokesperson confirmed Merl铆n was permitted to enter the perimeter but not the stadium, and did not offer further comment.
鈥淭hese last few days have been crazy, we鈥檒l never stop being grateful for what we鈥檝e experienced,鈥� G贸mez told The Associated Press. 鈥淓veryone is truly amazed by Merl铆n.鈥�
Since his first appearance, Merl铆n has grown into a social media phenomenon and an international celebrity. Wearing a green Mexico jersey and proudly accompanying his family as they sell drinks throughout the city, the 2-year-old duck has become a familiar Along the way, he has participated in interviews, visited television studios, mingled with supporters at the fan fest in Mexico City鈥檚 Z贸calo, and even paid a visit to Netflix.
鈥淗e鈥檚 become our unofficial mascot for Mexico and the World Cup,鈥� said Daniel Krauze, a fan outside the stadium who sported a duck hat. 鈥淚 feel proud to wear Merl铆n the duck.鈥�
Merl铆n has also found himself at the center of a trademark dispute, when at least two applications before G贸mez’s sought the rights to his name for exclusive commercial use. The registration was ultimately granted to G贸mez.
Now, following hundreds of requests from fans, the family will finally be able to watch Mexico’s national team live. G贸mez described the occasion as a 鈥渧ery powerful emotion.鈥�
And although the duck darling will not be cheering from the stands, she is convinced that Mexico鈥檚 most famous feathered supporter will still be bringing luck to El Tri: 鈥淢erl铆n is a lucky charm, and I know that, with him, the Mexican national team will win again today.鈥�
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