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Mexico's Football Federation Promotes Positive Fan Support with 'Wave Yes, Chant No' Campaign
🇲🇽 Mexico /Elections & Politics

Mexico's Football Federation Promotes Positive Fan Support with 'Wave Yes, Chant No' Campaign

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Mexico's Football Federation (FMF) is launching a campaign called "Ola sí, el grito no" (Wave yes, the chant no) to promote positive fan support.
  • The initiative aims to replace discriminatory chants, which have led to FIFA sanctions, with expressions of unity and respect.
  • The campaign draws inspiration from the iconic "wave" that became a symbol of international football during the 1986 World Cup hosted in Mexico.

Mexico's Football Federation (FMF) is spearheading a new campaign, "Ola sí, el grito no" (Wave yes, the chant no), to foster a more positive and unified fan experience for the national team. This initiative seeks to replace discriminatory chants, which have resulted in FIFA sanctions, with expressions of unity, enthusiasm, and respect from the stands.

The people's support was always with us, that is something unforgettable.

— Fernando QuirarteA former national player and coach, Fernando Quirarte, reflected on the fan support during the 1986 World Cup.

The campaign aims to recapture the spirit of support seen during the 1986 World Cup, hosted in Mexico, where the "wave" became an international symbol of football passion and a significant morale booster for the national team. Former national team players recall the profound impact of fan support during that tournament.

The fans and us were one; they did their job in the stands, and we responded to that motivation.

— Carlos de los CobosCarlos de los Cobos recalled the strong connection between the team and the fans during the 1986 World Cup.

Fernando Quirarte, a former national player and coach, remembered the unwavering support, stating, "The people's support was always with us, that is something unforgettable." Carlos de los Cobos echoed this sentiment, adding, "The fans and us were one; they did their job in the stands, and we responded to that motivation." Luis Flores shared an emotional memory of the Estadio Azteca crowd singing the national anthem a cappella in 1986, calling it a "blessing."

Imagine that with the entire Estadio Azteca singing the National Anthem a cappella. I had the blessing of experiencing that in 1986.

— Luis FloresLuis Flores shared a memorable experience of the crowd singing the national anthem at the Estadio Azteca during the 1986 World Cup.

Mario Trejo highlighted the emotional weight of playing with Mexican fans' backing, noting, "The extra support is an important motivation. When you play at home, here we have the advantage of the people's support." The FMF's message positions the fans as the "authentic 12th Player," aiming to make them protagonists once again in an atmosphere of respect and positive encouragement, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.

The extra support is an important motivation. When you play at home, here we have the advantage of the people's support.

— Mario TrejoMario Trejo commented on the motivational impact of fan support for the team.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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