Viral sensation Merlin the duck denied entry to stadium ahead of Mexico game (opens original article in a new tab)

Merlin the duck, a social media sensation, was denied entry to a World Cup match in Mexico City due to FIFA regulations but was allowed on stadium grounds for a TV segment.

• Merlin the duck was denied entry to Mexico City's stadium for the Mexico vs. Czech Republic match due to FIFA regulations prohibiting animals in venues
• Merlin was allowed on the Azteca Stadium grounds to film a segment with Televisa and traveled in a transport crate with his owner and son
• Merlin became a social media phenomenon and unofficial mascot for Mexico's World Cup team, with a trademark dispute over his name