Just under 48 hours before the World Cup kickoff, Roberto Ruano, secretary of the Mexican Association of Stadium Box and Seat Holders at Estadio Ciudad de México, spoke out about a brewing legal battle. On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, box owners gathered outside Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to demand access to their private properties amid what they describe as serious violations of their rights.

Ruano highlighted multiple issues: judicial orders being ignored, blocked entrances, and breaches of private property contracts. Despite some tickets being issued for the opening match, digital platforms continue to block access, frustrating owners who have owned their boxes for decades.

“We don’t want a foreign entity telling us what to do in our own country. We have absolute legal truth, documented and based on 50 years of customs, and now they want to change the rules overnight,” Ruano told Fernanda Familiar in an interview.

Rather than resorting to physical confrontation, the association is meticulously documenting every obstruction to build a strong case for a multimillion-dollar lawsuit seeking damages once the tournament concludes. Their goal is to officially record these violations through notaries and judicial authorities, covering denied access, parking, and restrictions on bringing in food and beverages—rights clearly outlined in their ownership contracts.

Ruano explained, “What we want is to have a formal record so we can claim indemnification. We will enter our boxes, but we will also seek compensation for lost privileges like food and beverage sales, parking, and the ability to sell, transfer, or rent our spaces.”

With around 750 boxes and seats involved, this conflict raises important questions about property rights, the role of international organizations like FIFA, and how local laws intersect with global events. For many, it’s a reminder that even in the excitement of a global tournament, constitutional rights and long-standing agreements must be respected.