Rafael Marquez was allowed to make history in the World Cup by becoming the first player to captain his country in five different World Cups, but he's had several crazy restrictions imposed on him for the tournament.
At one point it seemed as though the former Barcelona man would not be allowed to partake in the showpiece in Russia following his alleged links to the Mexican drug cartel, but he was given the all-clear and took to the field for his 145th cap in the memorable victory over world champions.
However, incredibly, as per Tariq Panja from New York Times, the United States Treasury Department are still are of the opinion that he has helped launder money for drug cartels in Mexico and have placed him on a black-list.
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As a result, the 39-year old's association with America has pretty much ended and in turn means he cannot have anything to do with any American companies.
Unlike his teammates, he is not wearing sponsored gear in training and is also prohibited from drinking out of the same branded bottles as them.
What's more, FIFA had to send Mexico's $1.5 million World Cup preparation fee via banks not with ties to the United States because of the ostracizing with Marquez and the fact that legal issues coming to play.
However, the most surprising piece of information that has come about in regards to Marquez's sanctions in the tournament is that he cannot be Man of the Match during the tournament due to Budweiser, an American beer provider, being the sponsor of the award.
It's a quite incredible and unusual situation and is almost definitely a first for the World Cup.
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Although it is worth noting we did see Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy turn down his Man of the Match award for the game against Uruguay because being Muslim prevents him from drinking alcohol.
Topics: Football News, Football, World Cup, US
