Ecuador protested: "The transfer was a 9-hour odyssey. There is no equality here"
The Ecuadorian Football Federation has filed a formal complaint over the logistical difficulties faced during the travel to the US, saying the treatment was inappropriate for a high-level World Cup competition.
The Ecuadorian Football Federation has filed a formal complaint after facing serious logistical problems during the team's transfer to the United States. The complaint states that the team suffered treatment that is against the standards of competition at this level.
The incident was shared by former coach Sébastien Bekkesse in a press conference, in which he explained that the team's journey took much longer than expected. He said, "We were delayed by three hours without any explanation. What should have been about a three-hour and thirty-minute flight turned into a nine-hour odyssey." This situation was also having a negative impact on the physical recovery of the players.The Ecuadorian Football Federation has demanded clarification on the matter, calling the incident "completely contrary to the principles of fair play, equality and unity". Ecuador lost 2–0 against Mexico in the knockout stage.