Overview
- The ajolote sculpture was removed for safety inspections by Protección Civil, with officials tracing the first temporary move to May 16 and no public timeline given for its return.
- The Government of Mexico City issued an unequivocal denial that FIFA requested the removal and the Instituto Mexicano de la Propiedad Industrial (IMPI) confirmed it did not order the sculpture taken down.
- IMPI noted FIFA has registered hundreds of World Cup trademarks and that only three official mascots—Zayú, Maple and Clutch—are authorized in tournament commercial zones, but said that rule does not automatically ban cultural symbols in public space.
- A column and early media reports that said FIFA forced the removal spread before authorities clarified the facts, illustrating how complex IP rules and quick commentary produced widespread misinformation.
- The episode has intensified debate over the city’s ‘ajolotización’ campaign led by Jefa de Gobierno Clara Brugada, created public confusion with the official mascot and could prompt officials to assess where and how the figure can be displayed during the tournament.