Mexico City: The Ecuador Football Federation (FEF) has lodged a complaint with FIFA after alleging that Mexico fans disrupted Ecuador’s team preparations ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match on Wednesday.
The FEF claimed that several Mexican supporters gathered outside Ecuador’s team hotel while the players were resting before the knockout fixture. According to the federation, the fans played loud music, chanted slogans supporting the Mexican team, and even set off fireworks from the top of the building.
The incident angered the Ecuadorian federation, which approached FIFA and the tournament organisers, urging authorities to closely monitor such situations.
"Regarding certain off-field actions that took place in the lead-up to the Round of 32 match, the Ecuadorian Football Federation informs that it has sent a formal complaint to the organisation, as this behaviour is far removed from the principles of fair play, equity, and unity that a World Cup should represent," the FEF said in an official statement.
The federation called on the authorities to take necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of Ecuador’s players, coaching staff, and supporters.
"The FEF makes a respectful call to the competent authorities to pay closer attention to these events and to adopt the necessary measures to safeguard the integrity of our players, coaching staff, and fans. We trust that these unsporting acts will not tarnish the football celebration that unites two brotherly nations, and that respect, healthy competition, and the fair play that give meaning to a World Cup will prevail at all times. Ecuador will always respond to these unsporting actions on the pitch," the statement added.
The complaint came ahead of the highly anticipated knockout match between Mexico and Ecuador, with the Ecuadorian side claiming that such actions went against the spirit of fair competition.
In the match, Mexico secured a place in the Round of 16 after a strong first-half performance. Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez helped Mexico defeat Ecuador, while Ecuador failed to convert their opportunities and were eliminated from the tournament.
Mexico will next face the winner of the Round of 32 clash between England and Congo DR at Mexico City Stadium on July 6.
With IANS inputs