The code of conduct of the most authoritative football institution won’t permit any masked fans to visit matches in Russia. "If I’m not allowed to put a mask I just won’t go" - says Hijo del Santo

The thing that has always distinguished Mexican fans at the international competitions is their garish clothing - from the Aztec kings crests to the masks of district fighters. FIFA has forbidden masked fans to access any of 12 World Cup stadiums.

FIFA has recently published the code of conduct for the guests that arrive for the World Cup in Russia. Among the condemns, there’s the prohibition to use

"masks, helmets or any other disguise or dresses that conceal the identity of the person".

As a part of their folklore, Mexicans have always carried the masks of the most representative fighters of their culture: El Santo, Blue Demon, Dos Caras, Rey Mysterio… In the previous world championships, Mexican tourists put on the masks during the matches. In some cases, the fans from other countries also grabbed their masks.

To purchase the tickets and attend the world cup in Russia, FiFA requested each fan to present the spectator identification called Fan ID. This card shall be used by the fans in the stadium during the whole competition. The authorities of the main football institution and Russian government are seeking for the maximum possible control.

"There’s nothing new. The ID contains all your personal data. It was already applied during the Confederations Cup [played in Russia] - fans were forbidden to carry masks. It was allowed in esplanades. This measure was taken as there were always Mexicans who put masks in the stadium and were hidden from the authorities", says in his interview Gabriel Galván, one of the spokesmen of Ola Verde, fans group of 25 members who visit all matches of the Mexican national team both in Mexico and abroad.

Eduardo Malayán, Russian ambassador in Mexico, assured Mexican mass media that the prohibition of masks was approved exclusively by FIFA, and Russian government has nothing to deal with it. "Nevertheless, there is nothing surprising. In the Aztec Stadium, the usage of masks was forbidden two years ago.", explains Galván. The supporter of Tri says that sometimes other fans who are not Ola verde members, bring fighters’ masks in order to exchange them with other tourists or even sell them at enormous prices.

"I wouldn’t take my mask off to visit the World Cup"

El Hijo del Santo states that carrying masks in the World Cups is a Mexican tradition. "I regret, I understand it is done for the security purposes. It is the consequence of the things that are constantly happening. Everything has changed since the Twin Towers [on 11/9] attack. When my father, El Santo, travelled in plane he always put his mask on. When he arrived anywhere he showed his passport and face only to the migration service officer in order to check the information", says the Mexican fighter to EL PAÍS. "Bringing the masks to the stadiums is a way to represent Mexico and its culture", he concludes.

El hijo del mito de plata remembers his visit to the World Cup in South Africa 2010. There were no prohibitions to take the symbolic masks to the stadiums. "The stadiums were full of Santos. Something strange happened from time to time. Everybody saw me, however nobody greeted me. People understood that was me only when I was interviewed. There were a lot of masks", he remembers.

−¿Have you thought to visit the World Cup in Russia?

−Yes, but if I’m not allowed to put the mask… I wouldn’t take my mask off. 

Source: EL PAIS