CJNG-linked Union Leader Hired Former Liga MX Stars to Open Soccer Field in Puebla, Report Says

The power and influence of Mexico's drug cartels reach deep into everyday life, touching not only politics and crime but also the country's sports culture.

According to a new report, a union leader and alleged financial operator of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) spent thousands of dollars hiring former professional soccer players from Mexico's top division to inaugurate a new soccer field in the municipality of Oriental, in the state of Puebla.

The field's opening took place on Sept. 20 and brought together 11 former Liga MX players, all reportedly hired by Nazario Ramírez, Infobae México reported. In the days leading up to the event, the former players promoted their participation on social media, encouraging local residents to attend.

"Businessman Nazario has convinced us. We'll be in Oriental for the inauguration of the field and to support local sports. See you on September 20," read the posts shared by the players.

According to the outlet, Ramírez financed the event just days before being arrested by federal authorities in Jalisco on charges related to extortion and drug trafficking. The information was first reported by journalist Carlos Rocha for e-consulta.

Among the players hired were several well-known figures in Mexican soccer, including some who played for the national team. Cristian "Chaco" Giménez, Matías Vuoso, Marco Antonio "Pikolin" Palacios, and Héctor Reynoso were among the most recognizable names.

Other players who took part included José Daniel Guerrero, Jorge Enríquez, Diego Martínez, Daniel "El Travieso" Guzmán and his son Daniel Guzmán Jr., Juan Carlos Medina, and Michel Vázquez.

Rocha, who broke the story, reported that Ramírez spent nearly 500,000 pesos, about $27,000, to bring the former players to Oriental and inaugurate the "Y Griega" soccer field. Most of the athletes had ties to Chivas de Guadalajara, one of the country's most popular and historical teams.

Before the exhibition match, the 11 players held a press conference with Ramírez and Puebla state delegate Anallely López Hernández. Estimates cited by e-consulta suggest that former professional players typically charge between 30,000 and 50,000 pesos for a single exhibition match.

According to e-consulta, the soccer field's renovation cost more than $108,000, with all expenses covered by Ramírez, who presented himself as a businessman from Puebla and secretary general of the Construction and Transport Workers Union of Jalisco, an organization affiliated with the CTM, Mexico's largest labor confederation.

Ramírez was arrested on Oct. 14 in Guadalajara. During the operation, federal agents seized weapons, vehicles, and illegal substances. Authorities described his role as a key part of the CJNG's financial and logistical operations.

According to Infobae México, Ramírez faces accusations of extortion, drug trafficking, money laundering, and criminal association across the states of Jalisco and Puebla. Federal officials say he used his union post to coordinate extortion, trafficking routes, and money laundering for the CJNG.