Mexico football hero refutes US claim of being ‘front person’ for drug cartel

The captain of Mexico’s football team has denied US accusations of links to a major drug trafficking organisation.

Rafael Marquez, who is also a former Barcelona player, voluntarily reported to the Mexican justice ministry after the US treasury said he had acted as a “front person” for a drug trafficking group, controlled by businessman Raul Flores Hernandez, and had held assets on its behalf.

“I categorically deny any type of relationship with said organisation and the referred events,” the football star said.

Marquez was one of 22 people and 43 entities the US treasury placed on a sanctions list in relation to the group. Also named on the blacklist were Mr Flores, members of his family, business associates and singer Julion Alvarez.

US officials said Mr Flores, who was indicted in Washington and California in March on charges of cocaine trafficking, flew under the radar for years. Mexican authorities said they arrested him last month. The US announcement shocked the Mexican football world where Marquez, popularly known as Rafa, is a legend at 38 after making his debut for the national team in February 1997 and then leading the team in the last four World Cups.

In 2003, Marquez signed for Barcelona, becoming the first Mexican player to win a Champions League final with the team’s victory over Arsenal in 2006. The injury-plagued defender was released in 2010. He spent two years with the Red Bulls in US Major League Soccer. The US statement gave no details on Marquez’s alleged actions on behalf of Mr Flores.