The president of Liga MX, Mikel Arriola, stated that despite the ongoing investigation against Emilio Azcárraga and Televisa for alleged bribes to FIFA officials, the organization of the 2026 World Cup is not at risk. Arriola attended the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez to witness the Formula 1 Grand Prix, where he was questioned about the possibility of Mexico losing the World Cup hosting rights for 2026. In response, Arriola Peñalosa declared: 'We are again with time running out and with a great World Cup that is going to be in 26.'
Highlighting the importance of Mexico City for large-scale sporting events like F1, Arriola mentioned that they continue to work and are awaiting the draw of the participants. He expressed his hope that Mexico City continues to host such events and mentioned the significance of the 2026 World Cup that will be played in Azteca Stadium, Rayados, and Chivas.
The president of Liga MX was asked whether the scandal involving Televisa would affect preparations, to which he nervously responded, 'thank you, thank you.' The investigation against Televisa dates back to 2015 with the scandal known as 'FIFAGate,' where several executives of the top governing body of football were accused of receiving and paying bribes.
In 2017, Televisa was alleged to have paid up to 15 million dollars to obtain the broadcasting rights for the World Cups of 2018, 2022, 2026, and 2030. Although the television company rejected the accusations at that time, the case has recently resurfaced with the U.S. Department of Justice investigating Televisa and Emilio Azcárraga Jean, who resigned as president of the company's board of directors.
