Mexico soccer star Marquez among 22 sanctioned for drug ties

FILE - In this June 23, 2014 file photo, Mexico's Rafael Marquez celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the group A World Cup soccer match between Croatia and Mexico at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil. The United States Treasury announced Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, that the legendary Mexican soccer player is among 22 people sanctioned for alleged ties to a drug trafficking organization. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar, File) FILE - In this June 23, 2014 file photo, Mexico's Rafael Marquez celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the group A World Cup soccer match between Croatia and Mexico at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil. The United States Treasury announced Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, that the legendary Mexican soccer player is among 22 people sanctioned for alleged ties to a drug trafficking organization. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar, File)

By Associated Press August 9, 2017 2 min read

MEXICO CITY (AP) – Legendary Mexican soccer player Rafael Marquez Alvarez and a well-known norteno band leader are among 22 people sanctioned for alleged ties to a drug trafficking organization, the United States Treasury announced Wednesday.

The Treasury said in a statement that it will also sanction 43 entities in Mexico, including a soccer team and casino.

The sanctions are the result of a multi-year investigation of the drug trafficking organization allegedly headed by Raul Flores Hernandez.

It is the single largest such designation of a drug trafficking organization ever by its Office of Foreign Assets Control, the statement said.

Marquez is a former Barcelona and New York Red Bulls star who currently plays for the Mexican soccer club Atlas in Guadalajara and is captain of the Mexican national team.