Atlas hopes Marquez can ‘rejoin team’ after US allegations

The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions Wednesday against 22 people including the 38-year-old defender who has starred for teams such as Barcelona, Monaco and New York Red Bulls.

U.S. officials allege that during two decades Marquez had ties to Raul Flores Hernandez, who faces drug trafficking charges in two U.S. federal courts. He is alleged to have acted as a front man for assets belonging to Flores, who was arrested in Mexico on July 20 and is awaiting extradition to the U.S.

Later Wednesday, Marquez categorically denied having any links to drug trafficking and promised to clear his name.

“Today is my most difficult match,” Marquez said. “I will try to clear all of this up.”

The sanctions, which freeze any assets Marquez has in the United States and prohibit any U.S. citizens or entities from doing business with him, are an administrative process and there are no known criminal charges against him.

The Treasury Department identified several businesses tied to Marquez that also fall under the sanctions.

During a career spanning more than 20 years, Marquez became one of Mexico’s most famous players and captained the country at the last four World Cups.

“We recognize and admire the career of Rafael Marquez. … His professionalism and commitment have been undoubtable in all the clubs he has been part of in Mexico and the world,” the national team said in its statement. “And above all we know that he is an exemplary family man.”

Carlos Rodriguez, The Associated Press

by Canadian Press

Atlas hopes Marquez can ‘rejoin team’ after US allegations

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