Overview
- World Aquatics canceled the March 5–8 Zapopan stop on Feb. 26 after two independent insurer risk evaluations and consultations in which nine federations said they could not travel on government and insurer advice.
- The decision followed violent disruptions linked to the death of cartel leader “El Mencho,” and officials said the refusal to participate extended to any venue in Mexico.
- Mexican authorities, including CONADE, the Foreign Ministry, CODE Jalisco and the Mexican Olympic Committee, engaged the federation, and Rommel Pacheco says the event is now in a reprogramming phase with a new date pending.
- Jalisco’s governor said China’s delegation was pivotal, citing connectivity and logistical constraints moving from Canada to Mexico that affected timely arrival.
- The stop is a qualifier for the Super Final in Beijing on May 1–3, tightening the window for rescheduling, and World Aquatics’ website indicates further information on the Mexico event will be provided later.