Rafa Marquez denies any connection to drug-trafficking organisation

Mexican football was rocked on Wednesday as Rafa Marquez was targeted by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for having a longstanding relationship with Raul Flores Hernandez, identified as a drug kingpin. The footballer, who plays at Atlas, was among 22 Mexican nationals and 43 entities to be designated for providing support to the narcotics-trafficking activities.

Marquez responded to the identification and categorically denied any connection to the drug-trafficking organisation.

"Today several news outlets reported that I am part of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Treasury Department for alleged ties to criminal organisation," Marquez said at a news conference, according to ESPN FC. "I categorically deny any type of relation with this organisation and with what has been stated in several news reports. I understand the legal situation that I find myself in, and I will immediately work on clearing up the facts alongside my team of attorneys.

"I reiterate that I have never participated in any of these organisations that have been mentioned in these reports, and want to reiterate my duty to assist the various authorities and corresponding governments in a punctual manner and maintain the media informed. I also want to ask for respect for my family and towards my situation, because it is not a normal situation - it is a difficult situation, and I ask for as much respect as possible.

"I also thank those who have sent me messages of support; I know that many people are with me and I will not disappoint them. Just as I have approached my professional career, today is my most difficult challenge. I will try to clear this up when I can and be the Rafa Marquez everyone knows."

Marquez was identified for acting as a front person for Flores Hernandez and the Flores Drug Trafficking Organisation, holding assets on their behalf. Among the individuals acting on behalf of the player are Mauricio Heredia Horner and Marco Antonio Fregoso Gonzalez.

"The 42 entities designated today cross a wide range of industries and services in Mexico, including sports and recreation, health and rehabilitation, restaurants and bars, hospitality and tourism, gambling, and music production," the U.S. Department of the Treasury said Wednesday.

"Several key designated entities include a Mexican soccer club, Club Deportivo Morumbi, Asociacion Civil; the Grand Casino in Guadalajara, Jalisco; Carmelias Bar, S.A. de C.V. and Nocturnum Inc, S. de R.L. de C.V.; and a music production company, Noryban Productions, S.A. de C.V. Most of the entities today are registered in the Mexican state of Jalisco, although two are registered in the state of Sinaloa. Several entities operation locations/branches in various other states, including Michoacan and Coahuila."

The U.S. Department of the Treasury declared all assets of the designated individuals and entities that are under U.S. jurisdiction or are in the control of U.S. persons are frozen. U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.

Also among the 22 Mexican nationals being targeted is Julio Cesar Alvarez Montelongo, a notable singer.

Marquez, who is 38 years old and captained Mexico at four World Cups, made three appearances at the Confederations Cup as El Tri finished fourth.