The Ecuadorian Soccer Federation (FEF) filed a complaint on Tuesday with the World Cup organizers in Mexico, just hours before its Round of 32 match against El Tri, over alleged hostile acts directed at its players upon their arrival in the capital, stating that such actions violate the spirit of fair play.
“Regarding certain incidents unrelated to soccer that occurred in the lead-up to the Round of 32 match, the Ecuadorian Soccer Federation has filed a complaint with the organizing committee, as this conduct is far removed from the principles of fair play, fairness, and unity that a World Cup should embody,” the federation stated.
The Ecuadorian delegation arrived last Monday at Felipe Ángeles International Airport and had to endure a trip of just over three hours to their team hotel, located in the Santa Fe neighborhood, west of Mexico City.
Fans from Mexico went to the hotel where the Ecuadorian players were staying
In addition to the unexpected delay in the trip, once they arrived, La Tri had to deal with the commotion caused by dozens of Mexican fans, whose clear goal was to disrupt the players’ rest.
According to witnesses, fans of the local team made their presence felt with motorcycles, trumpets, drums, sound systems, car horns, music blaring at full volume, and chants of “Mexico, Mexico!”
Although the police tried unsuccessfully to disperse the demonstrations, which continued until the early hours of this morning.
“For this reason, the FEF respectfully calls on the relevant authorities to pay closer attention to these events and to take the necessary measures to safeguard the well-being of our players, coaching staff, and fans,” he added.
The statement concluded with the hope that these actions would not affect the sporting aspect.
“We are confident that these unsportsmanlike acts will not mar the soccer celebration that unites two brotherly nations, and that respect, healthy competition, and ‘fair play’—which give meaning to the World Cup—will prevail at all times,” he concluded, according to Agencia EFE.