Merlin the duck got as far as the grounds of Azteca Stadium and no further. FIFA rules bar animals from World Cup venues, so the bird that Mexico has adopted as its unofficial mascot missed Mexico’s match against the Czech Republic on Wednesday.
He did not leave empty-handed. Merlin was allowed inside the stadium perimeter to film a segment with Televisa, one of Latin America’s largest television networks. He rode in a transport crate under tight security, with owner Gómez and her son beside him, while fans gathered to catch a glimpse. A FIFA tournament spokesperson confirmed he could enter the perimeter but not the stadium, and said nothing more.
From street corner to presidential palace
The 2-year-old domesticated duck belongs to Karla Gómez, a street vendor who sells drinks around Mexico City with her son. Until recently, she told Reuters, the duck had drawn little notice. Then Mexico beat South Africa in its opening game on June 11, fans poured into the streets, and Merlin was in the middle of it, wearing a Mexico jersey and custom socks.
Within two weeks he had visited the presidential palace. He has since done interviews, toured television studios, met supporters at the fan fest in the Zócalo and stopped by Netflix.
“For us it has been a surprise, truly,” Gómez told Reuters. “The fact that Merlin is the unofficial mascot of the World Cup … we feel very pleased about such a situation and above all that people love my duck.”
Before Mexico played South Korea, someone set the two countries’ flags in front of him. He picked Mexico.
A name worth fighting over
At least two trademark applications filed before Gómez’s sought exclusive commercial rights to his name. The registration was ultimately granted to her.
Fans asked hundreds of times for the family to see the national team play, and now they will watch it live. Gómez called the occasion a “very powerful emotion.” She told The Associated Press the past days had been “crazy” and that the family would “never stop being grateful.”
Outside the stadium, fan Daniel Krauze wore a duck hat. “He’s become our unofficial mascot for Mexico and the World Cup,” he said. “I feel proud to wear Merlin the duck.”
Gómez is sure he still helps from outside the stands. “Merlin is a lucky charm,” she said, “and I know that, with him, the Mexican national team will win again today.”
Sources
- Quack quack! Merlin the duck is Mexico's World Cup superfan – AOL
- Viral sensation Merlin the duck denied entry to stadium ahead of Mexico game – AOL
