FIFA gala at Mexico's Chapultepec Castle triggers INAH transparency dispute

The International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) held a gala dinner on 10 June at the Alcázar of Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. The Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH) initially omitted the event from its public event controls, prompting criticism.

INAH director Joel Omar Vázquez explained that the omission was due to an ongoing investigation by the Fiscalía General de la República, stating that related documentation was being reserved. Hours later, INAH issued a statement clarifying that the lack of the dinner in its operational records does not imply the event lacked authorization. The institute affirmed that FIFA paid a fee exceeding one million pesos, which was fully transferred to the Treasury, and that the standard administrative procedures for venue use were followed.

The dinner was part of the 37th International Fair of Anthropology and History (FILAH) and took place at the historic museum complex, raising questions about transparency and oversight of cultural heritage sites.