Mexico star Marquez back at Atlas after US drug sanctions

FILE – In this June 5, 2016 file photo, Mexico defender Rafael Marquez leaves the pitch after a Copa America group C soccer match against Uruguay at University of Phoenix Stadium, in Glendale, Ariz. Marquez is back with his club on Monday, Sept. 18 2017, more than a month after the U.S. Treasury Department named him on a sanctions list for alleged drug trafficking ties. Atlas says the 38-year-old defender is practicing with the team again and will continue his legal fight. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)

MEXICO CITY — Mexican soccer star Rafael Marquez is back with his club more than a month after the U.S. Treasury Department named him on a sanctions list for alleged drug trafficking ties.

Atlas said Monday that the 38-year-old defender is practicing with the team again.

In August, Marquez was among 22 people sanctioned by the department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. He was accused of acting as a frontman for the Raul Flores Hernandez drug trafficking organization.

Marquez has denied any wrongdoing and said he will work to clear his name. He is not known to face any criminal charges in the United States or Mexico.

Atlas says Marquez will continue his legal fight while at the team.

Marquez has played internationally with AS Monaco, Barcelona and the New York Red Bulls.