Merlin the duck takes a trip to the stadium, but FIFA rules keep him out of Mexico match
A duck named Merlín, who became a social media sensation during the World Cup in Mexico, was denied entry into the Azteca Stadium for a match. FIFA regulations prohibit animals from entering the venue to ensure their well-being.
Why it matters
The story highlights the intersection of viral internet culture and strict international sports event management protocols.
One of the biggest folk heroes of this World Cup, Merlín the duck arrived outside Mexico City’s stadium on Wednesday to great fanfare — but was ultimately told he could not remain for Mexico’s match against the Czech Republic.
The report is a human-interest story focused on factual events without ideological framing.
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