FIFA denies stadium entry to famous football duck ‘Marlin’

During the FIFA World Cup, an unusual football fan—a duck named Marlin travelled with her family to Mexico City to watch the match between Mexico and the Czech Republic, quickly becoming the center of attention for fans and the media.

Social media users urged organizers to allow Marlin and her family into the stadium but FIFA regulations prevented this.

According to international media reports, Marlin was denied entry because FIFA’s rules prohibit animals from entering stadiums during matches to ensure their safety and welfare.

However, due to the widespread public interest, Marlin was granted access to the outer grounds of Azteca Stadium for the recording of a special program by a major Latin American television network. Large crowds gathered outside the stadium to see the famous duck.

An organizers’ spokesperson clarified that Marlin was permitted only in the stadium’s exterior area for the television recording and was not allowed inside the stadium during the match.