Mexican federation looks into Miguel Herrera's, players' political tweets

The Mexican Soccer Federation is investigating national team coach Miguel Herrera and two players over politically tinged tweets sent the day of the country's recent elections.

SI Staff | Jun 9, 2015

Mexican federation looks into Miguel Herrera's, players' political tweets /

MEXICO CITY (AP) — The Mexican Soccer Federation is investigating national team coach Miguel Herrera and two players over politically tinged tweets sent the day of the country's recent elections.

The federation said in a statement issued Monday night that it will evaluate whether Herrera, striker Oribe Peralta and midfielder Marco Fabian violated its code of ethics, which calls for "maintaining a neutral position on matters of a religious or political nature."

Local media reported that they face possible fines.

Herrera, affectionately known by his nickname, "the Louse," is famous for his exuberant sideline displays during last year's World Cup in Brazil.

Mexico names competitive, but not first-choice roster for Copa America

But he drew a backlash for tweets backing the Green Party, which ran a slick advertising blitz and was fined millions of dollars for violating campaign laws.

"Don't forget to vote, let's go with the Greens," and "The Greens fulfill" their promises, Herrera said Sunday on Twitter. Green is traditionally the Mexican national team's color, but the "The Greens Fulfill" was a party campaign slogan.

Electoral law forbids campaigning by parties on election day, but Green Party officials said they had nothing to do with Herrera's tweets or a series of very similar messages sent by a variety of television and music stars.

Herrera was defensive about the tweets at a news conference Sunday, after the national team lost 2-0 in a friendly match with Brazil.

"I'm a human being, I'm a normal Mexican citizen, with statements that I can make in social media," Herrera said. "It's simply a personal situation."

Peralta, who plays professionally for Club America of Mexico City, sent tweets urging followers to vote using a hash tag that translates as "WearGreen" and was used by others to promote the party. "I want a #GreenMexico!" he tweeted Sunday.

Fabian, of Guadalajara's Chivas, retweeted Herrera and also posted one of his own using the "WearGreen" tag.

GALLERY: Cuauhtémoc Blanco through the years

Cuauhtemoc Blanco Through the Years

Cuauhtemoc Blanco received a farewell from Club America, playing against Morelia in a Liga MX match–and performing his trademark "Cuauhteminha"–on March 5, 2016.

Cuauhtemoc Blanco lifts the Copa MX trophy with Puebla in his final match as a professional.

Blanco is given a hero's farewell after the Copa MX final between Puebla and Chivas.

Blanco plays his final match for Mexico at Estadio Azteca in a friendly against Israel on May 28, 2014.

Blanco and Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez have some fun during training at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Blanco celebrates his penalty kick against France in a 2-0 group-stage win at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Blanco dribbles against host South Africa in the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Francisco Estrada/Jam Media/LatinContent/Getty Images

Blanco celebrates a valuable goal in 2010 World Cup qualifying at Estadio Azteca against El Salvador.

Hector Vivas/Jam Media/LatinContent/Getty Images

Blanco poses as part of EA Sports's FIFA 2010 cover release for the popular video game in North America.

Blanco is hoisted after a World Cup qualifying match against Canada in 2008.

Mario Castillo/Jam Media/LatinContent/Getty Images

Blanco commanded plenty of media attention during his time in MLS with the Chicago Fire.

Never shy to express himself, Blanco gestures to a referee during the 2009 MLS Eastern Conference championship.

Blanco reacts after a goal in the 2009 Eastern Conference semifinals against the New England Revolution.

Blanco tries his signature Cuauhtemiña in a 2008 match against the Columbus Crew, putting the ball between his legs and carrying it while jumping between a pair of defenders.

Blanco gets into it with Kansas City goalkeeper Kevin Hartman during a 2008 MLS match.

Blanco is presented 2008 MLS All-Star Game MVP honors by commissioner Don Garber after an MLS win over West Ham in Toronto.

Blanco and David Beckham congratulate their teammates during the 2008 MLS All-Star Game against West Ham.

Blanco's arrival in MLS with the Chicago Fire made for some front-cover headlines.

Blanco celebrates one of his 125 goals with Club America at a match at Azteca against Necaxa in 2006.

Scott Strazzante/Chicago Tribune/MCT/Getty Images

Blanco extends for the ball at the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup final against the USA, which the Americans won 2-1 in Chicago.

Blanco argues with the referee in a 2006 World Cup qualifying match against the USA, which Mexico wound up winning 2-1.

Blanco lifts the trophy after America wins the 2005 Mexican Clausura championship.

Blanco and John O'Brien tussle for the ball in the 2002 World Cup round of 16, a match the Americans won 2-0.

Blanco celebrates his golden goal against the USA in the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup semifinals on his home soil.

Blanco and Luis Hernandez train in Bolivia during the 1997 Copa America.

Blanco lifts the 1996 U.S. Cup at the Rose Bowl after his goal helped Mexico secure a 2-2 draw against the USA in the final, which was good enough to claim the title.

Published Jun 9, 2015

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