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One of the biggest folk heroes of this World Cup,\u00a0Merl\u00edn the duck\u00a0arrived outside Mexico City\u2019s stadium on Wednesday to great fanfare \u2014 but was ultimately told he could not remain for Mexico\u2019s match against the Czech Republic.<\/p>\n
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\u00edn went from waddling through the streets of Mexico City during Mexico\u2019s opening victory to\u00a0visiting the presidential palace.\u00a0But on Wednesday, his proverbial flight was cut short.<\/p>\n
Merl\u00edn was granted access to\u00a0the Azteca Stadium grounds\u00a0to film a segment with Televisa, one of Latin America\u2019s largest television networks. Under strict security protocols, Merl\u00edn traveled comfortably inside a transport crate, accompanied by owner Carla G\u00f3mez and her son Cristian, as curious fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the tournament\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
A FIFA tournament spokesperson confirmed Merl\u00edn was permitted to enter the perimeter but not the stadium, and did not offer further comment.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese last few days have been crazy, we\u2019ll never stop being grateful for what we\u2019ve experienced,\u201d G\u00f3mez told The Associated Press. \u201cEveryone is truly amazed by Merl\u00edn.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since his first appearance, Merl\u00edn 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\u00a0sight in the capital.\u00a0Along the way, he has participated in interviews, visited television studios, mingled with supporters at the fan fest in Mexico City\u2019s Z\u00f3calo, and even paid a visit to Netflix.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s become our unofficial mascot for Mexico and the World Cup,\u201d said Daniel Krauze, a fan outside the stadium who sported a duck hat. \u201cI feel proud to wear Merl\u00edn the duck.\u201d<\/p>\n
Merl\u00edn has also found himself at the center of a trademark dispute, when at least two applications before G\u00f3mez\u2019s sought the rights to his name for exclusive commercial use. The registration was ultimately granted to G\u00f3mez.<\/p>\n
Now, following hundreds of requests from fans, the family will finally be able to watch Mexico\u2019s national team live. G\u00f3mez described the occasion as a \u201cvery powerful emotion.\u201d<\/p>\n
And although the duck darling will not be cheering from the stands, she is convinced that Mexico\u2019s most famous feathered supporter will still be bringing luck to El Tri: \u201cMerl\u00edn is a lucky charm, and I know that, with him, the Mexican national team will win again today.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
#Merlin #Duck #allowed #Mexico #Citys #Azteca #Stadium #film #commercial<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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